Enterprise-Ozark Community College

Enterprise-Ozark Community College

Expansion of the 3D Simulation and Modeling Technician Program

Project Title: Expansion of 3D Simulation and Modeling Technician (3D SMT) Short Term Certificate Program

1. 
   Authorization
   

As the person authorized to act on behalf of the service provider/fiscal agent, I certify that the information submitted in this proposal is accurate. I also certify that the service provider will carry out the proposed activities as stated and will follow accountability and reporting requirements.

Printed or Typed Name -Authorized Official Title

Signature of Authorized Official Date

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL SUMMARY

1. 
   Project title: Expansion of 3D Simulation and Modeling Technician
   

2. 
   Service provider/fiscal agent: Enterprise-Ozark Community College
   

3. 
   Total funds requested: $1,084,208.00
   

4. 
   Project start and end dates: September 1, 2009 – August 31, 2010
   

5. 
   Statement of need or priorities to be addressed by proposed activities:
   

We see the benefit of state-of-the-art computational measurement techniques in 3D modeling and simulation, and we are committed to ensuring that the highest levels of accuracy and performance are achieved. In the area of information technology/cybersecurity, we propose to address subtopic 4: research enabling fundamental advances in computational science and engineering associated with measurement and standards in visual data analysis. We also will address subtopic 7: research to develop advanced image analysis techniques and tools relevant to measurement science. Our faculty members working on this project are educated to the level of master’s degree or doctorate in their fields and many years of experience in computer science.

6. 
   Proposed activities:
   

7. 
   Anticipated outcomes (include target level of performance for each outcome):
   

1. 50 students will be enrolled in the credit offerings at the Enterprise Campus and Fort Rucker Site

1. 
   $165,150: Program Staff Salaries (Position title/function of staff assigned to project-specific program services activities, salary/wage, percentage of time charged to project.)
   

2 full-time instructors: Salary Schedule 1A-D-1, Step 5 = $58,575 x 2 = $117,150

3 part-time instructors @ $1,600 per 3 hour class x 10 classes = $48,000

2. 
   $50,732: Program Staff Benefits (Type and cost of fringe benefits for each position included in project budget.) FICA Matching (7.65%); Unemployment compensation (.07%); Retirement Matching (12.07%); PEEHIP @ $9,024 annually
   

2 full-time instructors = $41,232

FICA = $8,962

Unemployment = $82

Retirement = $14,140

PEEHIP = $18,048

3 part-time instructors = $9,500

FICA = $3,672

Unemployment = $34

Retirement = $5,794

PEEHIP = NA

3. 
   Individual Training (Fees or other training fees; tuition; training materials and other costs related to training of individuals.)
   

Not applicable

4. 
   $4,500: Staff Development/Training (Detail of consultants; tuition/fees, other costs related to providing and/or attending.)
   

ArcView and GIS software training: $750/course x 3 courses = $2,250

Auto Desk 3D MAX software training: $750 /course x 3 courses = $2,250

5. 
   Employer Outreach and Services (Details of outreach activities; other similar employer services.)
   

Not applicable

6. 
   $4,000: Travel (Costs of mileage, lodging, meals and other travel-related costs.)
   

3 persons travel to Birmingham, AL for training programs

3 days @ $75 per diem x 3 travelers = $675

Mileage to Birmingham: 500 miles @ $0.55 /mile = $275

3 persons travel to Fayetteville Technical Community College, Fayetteville, NC to visit the 3D Simulation and Modeling Technician program, Visual Learning Lab, and Experience and Discovery Lab

Airfare: 3 travelers @ $750 roundtrip = $2,250

Meals for two days @ $50 per person x 3 = $300

Hotel: 2 nights @ $125 / night x 2 rooms = $500
VII. $25,500: Outreach, Public Relations (Details of media advertising and other public outreach costs, e.g., newspapers, radio/TV, direct mail, etc.)
Radio Advertising [21 thirty-second spots (14 stations)]: $6,000

8 Newspapers: [two 4-column x 4” ads (11 publications)]: $4,000

Billboards: (number TBD): $4,000

Television: (1 station): $500 production cost + $5,000 to air commercial = $5,500

Brochures: (distributable institutional materials): $6,000
VIII. $834,326: Materials & Supplies (Office supplies, training supplies, other supplies required to carry out project, detailed by type costs.)
Visual Learning Labs at Enterprise Campus and Fort Rucker Site for teaching students to create 3D objects and environments

SMT Integrated Enterprise Learning Suite consisting of lab computers and software listed below
30 lab computers w/ cabling @ $3,500 each	105,000
30 Computer Stations consisting of Recessed Monitor Tables and Contoured Task Chairs @ $1,053 each	31,590
Installation, testing and integration	250
5 Instructor computers @ $3,500 each	17,500
35 licenses of the following software:
3D Studio Max software @ $395 each	13,825
Unity Pro @ $1,500 each	52,500
Unity Asset Server license @ $500 each	17,500
ArcView/ArcGIS @ $245 each	8,575
Autodesk AutoCAD Inventor Professional @ $1,435 each	50,225
37 licenses of Immersive Real Time Software Development Suite (35 for lab & instructor computers, 1 each for 3D Projection and 3D Wall) @ $5,500 each	203,500
3D Wall consisting of 3D configured projector Stereo filters Computer platform Wireless Wand and Keyboard DVI Extenders / Cabling 16:9 Wide Aspect Screen & Motor 3 days installation, testing and integration	75,007
Mobile 3D Visual Learning Lab	19,777

3D Theater Projection System consisting of Theater Quality Passive Stereo Projectors Specialized color wheel lens Dolby 7.2 Surround Theater System Stereo integration rack Stereo glasses Wireless Wand and Keyboard VR authoring tool for real-time photo realistic features, advanced physics engine, CAD integration and realistic human behaviors DVI Extenders/cabling/ NVidia Quadro Plex with Casing System and Mounts 16:9 Wide Aspect Screen and 16:9 Wide Aspect Screen Motor 5 days installation, testing and integration	128,177
Integrated AMX Solution consisting of Computer platform AMX 17’ Monitor Cabling / Extenders and conduit Rack system with Cabling Installation, testing and integration	34,695
Integrated Touch and TelePresence Technology consisting of Computer platform Touch Interaction Display Screen with Integrated Projection System for Compact foot Print with TelePresence HoloPodium for Virtual Presenter DVI Extenders for Integration Video Capture Board, Digital Still Camera, Custom Mounting and Cables Installation, testing and integration	76,205

This project proposes to expand EOCC’s capacity to teach students to develop interactive three-dimensional (3D) objects and environments that can satisfy workforce development, industry and government needs for a wide variety of situations, including training programs, educational settings, and entertainment venues. Increasing the capacity of the College’s 3D-Simulation and Modeling Technician (3D SMT) Short Term Certificate program will offer more opportunities to train graduates to develop and manipulate virtual objects within a three dimensional space.

The importance of developing such virtual reality objects can best be shown in some examples. For instance, using 3D objects created by graduates of this program, flight engineers may have access to virtual reality models of equipment and could view performance in highly accurate simulations of real-world environment. Entertainment venues may develop accurate, scaled environments to showcase new attractions or even develop audience-immersive experiences. Emergency Medical Services personnel may use 3D objects to learn proper techniques for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or to evaluate emergency situations.

Given the time and expense involved in the creation and utilization of traditional models and simulations, the ability to develop virtual reality, 3D objects and environments allows for rapid design and reconfiguration at relatively low cost and effort. Given the presence of both the U.S. Army and defense contractors within Region 10 and, in particular, EOCC’s service area, the need for training 3D simulation technologists is increasing, as their skills allow for the creation of a wide variety of objects and environments of value to these industries, thereby reducing the need for traditional cost- and labor-intensive efforts that result in products of limited use.

Currently EOCC is purchasing hardware and software to teach only ten students at a time on the Enterprise Campus. Funding for this expansion project will increase the capacity by installing ten more computer stations at the Enterprise Campus, by installing a 20-computer station laboratory at the Fort Rucker Site, and by providing the training through non-credit as well as for-credit offerings.

According to 2005 data provided by the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*Net website, growth in the field of multi-media, which comprises 3D simulation, is projected to occur at a rate of 26%, a much faster rate compared with other occupations. The website data also projects that an additional 43,000 employees shall be required by 2016 to provide expertise in the field of multi-media. In the United States, the median annual salary is $54,600; the annual median wage in Alabama is $45,100.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics website www.bls.gov/oes/2008/may/oes271014.htm#ind lists the top paying industries for this occupation in the following chart.

Industry	Employment	Hourly mean wage	Annual mean wage
Other Information Services	1,030	$36.59	$76,110
Motion Picture and Video Industries	9,050	$34.57	$71,910
Specialized Design Services	1,900	$34.03	$70,770
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing	70	$33.78	$70,270
Employment Services	340	$32.79	$68,200

Using data for the United States is important in this field because graduates of the 3D Simulation and Modeling Technician program will be qualified to operate home-based businesses, located in Region 10, that contract with businesses, industries, and entertainment and education providers throughout the United States. The objects and environments created will be sent to the contractor via simple media (compact or digital video disks, flash drives, etc.), electronic mail, or networked computer systems. The ability to operate as an independent contractor / small business owner makes this program enticing to such prospective students as disabled American veterans and military family members.

Simply stated, funding of the proposed project would allow for the expansion of the

College’s capacity to offer the Short Term Certificate program in 3D-SMT to train the modeling/simulation technologists required to meet local demand. The strengths of this program, which benefits both students and employers, are many and include the small length of time required for training -- allowing the majority of students to complete the program within two semesters. This shall ensure a steady stream of trained professionals to meet growing demand.

Enterprise-Ozark Community College will focus recruiting efforts to on the following target groups.

• 
  Recent high school graduates who have demonstrated a high interest in technology and have stated a desire to receive specialized training leading to high-wage employment in this field.
  
• 
  Employees desiring career transitioning due to unemployment or underemployment.
  
• 
  Military service personnel and family members -- active duty U.S. Army personnel returning home to the EOCC service area preparing for separation from the service under the auspices of the Fort Rucker Warrior Transition Unit; military family members (i.e. spouses, children, and other dependents) seeking transportable careers; disabled American veterans.
  
• 
  Employers of local existing businesses and industries seeking to use 3D objects and environments in their training programs.
  

• 
  Advanced Visualization: The successful completion of this module provides students the ability to use advanced image editing and three-dimensional graphics software to create photorealistic, animated virtual simulations.
  
• 
  Environment Programming: The ability to develop object-oriented, three dimensional environments is the goal of this module, which involves instruction in a general purpose programming language. Mastery of this module’s competencies allows users to build graphics-intensive applications.
  
• 
  CAD (Computer-Assisted Design): Successful completion of this module, which focuses on computer-assisted design and drafting, allows students to render complex objects in two and three dimensions, a necessary prerequisite for the development of advanced simulations and modeling.
  
• 
  GIS (Geographic Information Systems): Instruction in this module is focused on the successful analysis and management of data necessary for the construction, manipulation, and the real-time presentation of geographic information.
  

Students shall demonstrate their mastery of the concepts and skills obtained in the classroom through the completion of a Capstone Project. The project, which is intended to serve as the cornerstone of each student’s portfolio, shall be conducted in collaboration between the program and industry representatives. The successful completion of the project shall result in the development of a custom-designed, simulated object or environment intended to meet the needs of the sponsoring industry representative. The valuable experience and exposure gained by students in completing this project shall enhance their employability.

The following business and industries have provided letters of support to this project.

Business/Industry Name	Type	Sector
Alfab, Inc.	Metal Fabricator	Manufacturing
Army Fleet Support, LLC	Aircraft Maintenance	Aerospace/Aviation
CATI Training Systems	Training	Technology; Aviation
NavTech, LLC	Training	Technology
Ronnie Gilley Properties, Inc.	Entertainment	Entertainment

The primary benefit to companies listed above will be the creation of three-dimensional objects that are specific to their business or industry. The College’s Coordinator of Training for Existing Business and Industry (TEBI) and the Project Director will collaborate with the above companies, and identify others, to develop the Capstone Projects previously referenced.

Creating these virtual objects and environments is an emerging occupation in the College’s service area. However, all of the companies who have given their written support to this project have also agreed to consider employment opportunities for graduates of the program. The TEBI Coordinator will develop new partnerships for job placement as the progress of the project leads to a repository of objects and environments that can be easily reconfigured to meet the needs of other employers.
IV. Project Goals, Outcomes, and Performance Measures

Goals	Outcomes	Performance Measures
1. The 3D SMT Short Term Certificate program will be offered as the Fort Rucker Site.	1. 50 students will be enrolled in the credit offerings at the Enterprise Campus and Fort Rucker Site	1. 60 students will be enrolled in credit and/or non-credit offerings by the end of the 2009-2010 Academic Year
2. The capacity to enroll credit students at the Enterprise Campus will be expanded.	2. 10 students will be enrolled in non-credit offerings	2. 45 students in credit or non-credit programs will complete the course of study by the end of Fall Semester 2010
3. The program will be adapted for non-credit students.	3. 75% of students in credit / non-credit programs will complete the course of study	3. 40 students who complete the credit course of study will be placed in related employment within two semesters of program completion
	4. 80% of completers in the credit program will be placed in related employment

Formative evaluation of the project will be conducted during the quarterly meetings of the Program Development Team and will assist in forming the project and its various programmatic efforts with necessary changes as it moves to its conclusion. Formative evaluations will allow for adjustment of schedules, revising of tasks, and revised managerial decisions, based on preliminary evaluation results. Such regular evaluation by the Team will ensure that the project goals have lead to the measured outcomes.
V. Non-duplication

Enterprise-Ozark Community College is the only two-year or four-year institution is southeast Alabama offering the 3D SMT Short Term Certificate.

display equipment in its office to exhibit a 3D model of the city to prospective businesses and industries and to potential residents. This 3D model could be a Capstone Project.

Other stakeholders not previously mentioned who have assisted in the planning of this project include the following.

• 
  The Enterprise Coffee Geneva Economic Development Corporation has identified workforce partners for the project.
  
• 
  Troy University has suggested collaboration between their faculty and that of EOCC to develop and share a repository of learning objects.
  
• 
  Enterprise High School has identified a non-credit training opportunity for high school teachers to learn how to create objects for use in their curriculum.
  
• 
  CATI Training Systems has identified employees who may be qualified to teach some of the courses in the program, and they have offered to establish an internship program so that graduates can get more real-world experience.
  
• 
  NavTech, LLC has identified employees who may be qualified to teach the Capstone Project.
  
• 
  The Chairman of the Region 10 Workforce Development Council and the Associate Director of Business and Education Services for the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development have both attended demonstrations on the creation of three-dimensional objects and have offered advice on the development of this project.
  

Enterprise-Ozark Community College will leverage resources in the form of facilities, recruiters (5% time of annual salaries = $5,246), the development of a marketing plan (Public Relations Director: 10 hours / semester = $626), and the Project Director’s time (10% of annual salary = $6,311).

NavTech, LLC has donated to the College for use in this project a Mobile Visual Learning Lab^® valued at $19,777. CATI Training Systems is working with a vendor to get the software, valued at $30,000 per license, donated or offered at a reduced rate.


VIII. Sustainability

Because of the partnerships with businesses, industries, service providers and other educational institutions created in the development of this project, EOCC will be able to sustain the project by recruiting students into the program and establishing non-credit offerings.

The College has been awarded and successfully implemented government grants in the past, including a $1.75 million five-year US Department of Education (USDE) Title III Strengthening Institutions project with three activities aimed at curriculum development, professional development, library automation, and student services development. EOCC administrators successfully administered budgets; implemented assessment and evaluation of project objectives; recommended employees for hire in the project; maintained open communication between project staff and other college faculty, staff and administration; ensured consistent and complete adherence to all federal, state, and institutional policies; monitored congruence of project objectives with college priorities and goals; prepared and disseminated project reports; and implemented and supported efforts to integrate project activities into regular institutional operations.

November 1994 – 1997: EOCC administrators, faculty and staff members planned, implemented, and evaluated a three-year workplace literary project funded by the USDE National Workplace Literacy Program that combined educational resources of seven two-year colleges, two adult education programs, four textile and apparel manufacturing industries, and four trade associations. The project met or exceeded all eighteen objectives and served more than 1,000 employees annually in twelve locations in Alabama, South Carolina, and Georgia. EOCC administrators, faculty and staff ensured implementation of all phases of the project including needs assessment, curriculum development, instruction, creation of interactive software program, and evaluation activities.

Fall quarter of 1978, Enterprise State Junior College, which became Enterprise-Ozark Community College in 2003, began a Student Support Services TRIO Program.  The current grant scheduled to end in August 2010 will complete 32 years of continuous service to our students.  The longevity of repeated funding from the United States Department of Education is a sound testimony of the ongoing success of our department--which is really a measure of success of our students.

The Student Support Services (SSS) Program provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements, and offers services to motivate students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education. The goal of SSS is to increase the college retention and graduation rates of its participants and facilitate the process of transition from one level of higher education to the next. Services available to eligible students include: career counseling, academic advisement, tutoring, financial aid information/assistance, transfer information, referrals to area agencies, escorted visits to senior universities and self-improvement workshops, diagnostic inventories, and cultural awareness activities.


X. Special Characteristics of the Project

Measurement science takes on a new dimension in the world of 3D models. In the area of information technology/cybersecurity, the expanded 3D simulation and modeling technician project proposed by this college would provide invaluable research and a skilled workforce (graduates of our program) to develop and use advanced 3D image analysis techniques. Medicine and health information technology are among the many areas for which image-based information management and retrieval will become invaluable. In addition, 3D computations will aid in analysis of environmental conditions that may be applied to energy conservation and management. A learning object repository will be created to store 3D objects developed by our faculty and students. These objects then will be available for sharing with other institutions of higher learning, as well as the business and industry community in what will become an ideal business-industry-college partnership. This partnership will serve the greater good of the community, the region, the state, and the nation.

Dr. Judith G. Miller, Dean of Instruction

B.S., Radford University

M.S., Troy State University

Ed.S., Troy State University

Ed.D., Vanderbilt University

B.S., Campbell University

Ed.M., Boston University

Additional Graduate Study

B.A., University of North Alabama

M.M., University of Alabama

D.M.A., University of Alabama

A.S., Enterprise State Junior College

B.S., Troy State University

M.B.A., Troy State University

Ed.D., University of Alabama
Professional Staff Member Assigned to this Project
Mr. Carlton Holbrook, Extended Programs Director and Training for Existing Business and Industry Director

A.A., Enterprise State Junior College