February 10, 2010

By Michelle Mann
Staff Writer
The Enterprise Ledger

Enterprise State Community College students now have the option of a high-tech course of study that will enable them to enter the interactive three-dimensional (3D) virtual reality arena in 16 weeks. 

In what Dr. Jean Johnson calls a “an ideal business-industry-college partnership,” the new high-tech program developed in cooperation with Enterprise-based Navigator Development Group, Inc. is called, “Three Dimensional Simulation and Modeling Technology,” or 3D SMT.

Johnson, dean of the Fine Arts Department at the college, and Computer Information Systems Department Dean Dr. Wanda Flowers worked with Navigator and its wholly-owned subsidiary, NavTech LLC, to establish the curriculum.  The college received a $50,000 grant from Gov. Bob Riley’s Workforce Development Office to create the Simulation Graphic Design and Animation course, Johnson said.

The 16-week course will teach students what Johnson called “high-end simulation.”

The first class, Johnson said, is “hovering at 100 percent enrollment.” A full lab of 21 high -capacity computers with new computer workstations is set up in Forrester Hall on campus, said Johnson. “This Visual Learning Lab is fully equipped with the high-capacity computers and necessary software.”

And the 3D SMT program has received approval from ESCC’s financial aid office for complete financial coverage.

NavTech developed and installed the Advanced Visualization Center in Fayetteville Technical Community College in North Carolina, which ESCC personnel have toured, Johnson said. 

“One of our 3D instructors was sent to AutoCAD training last summer, two instructors were sent to a 3D Studio Max Workshop,” said Johnson. “We also have a vision for the next phase of the program, which includes an expansion of degree offerings, a theater-style 3D classroom, telepresence communication and immersive 3D environments.”

“This new high-technology program is unique, its possibilities are endless,” Johnson said. “It puts students in jobs.”

Dr. Jean Johnson, Enterprise State Community College project director for the school’s new three-dimensional simulation and modeling curriculum, displays the advanced mobile double-projector/computer system. Photo by Michelle Mann