Developing Didactic Models: Realizing a Prototype PLC-Based System with Application in Industrial Automation

Abstract

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), usually a single chipped micro-controller based computing device that is found in the heart of many simple to complex industrial or process control equipment and systems, has and continues to play unwittingly a significant role in the evolution of the manufacturing and process industries. In a world that continues to advance rapidly in digitalization and automation, the industries are compelled to adopt these new technologies and standards. As a result of these ever-changing dynamics in industrial demands, many institutions and training providers finds it challenging to satisfy the competency required by these industries. This study has elucidated the education and training levels of industrial automation system Technician & Engineers. Six (6) factors from the learning theories that enhances students’ skills learning and their contextual relationship to skill development in industrial automation performance domains were subjected to Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) which have showed the most critical factors that needs attention during training materials design & development in bridging the gap between competence and the demand for competence in industry. The use of simple but powerful pedagogical principles such as “Didactic Reduction” among others was used to reduce the PLC related Curriculum Content of BTEB to five (5) main categories of performance domains and their elementary units. The insights gained from the analyses of skills needed by PLC industry Technicians & Engineers and that of the Training Providers with the outcome of the ISM-Based model, formed the bases for assessing 39 existing didactic PLC-based training kits from producers around the world including Bangladesh. The factor “Compactness/mobility” was more frequent about 67% and the factor of “Industry Grade” appeared the least 59% among the 39 kits. This result was the direct opposite of the ISM-Based model where “Industry Grade” has higher driving power (7) in terms of influence on skill development as compared to “Compactness/Mobility” of the training kit.