When William Duncan began teaching welding at Harlem High School in Illinois almost two decades ago, he inherited curriculum based largely on textbooks. He knew that had to change. Duncan had spent the previous decade manufacturing aircraft control systems; before that, he worked in the automotive industry as a mechanic. He understood the value of hands-on learning, and he began his teaching career determined to provide more interactive learning opportunities for his students.
Today, Duncan’s classroom features six guideWELD® VR welding simulators. They’re connected to televisions displayed in the front of his classroom so half his students can practice while the other half observe. We asked Duncan why he prioritizes these high-tech training tools and how they’ve impacted his classroom. Here is what he said.
How have welding simulators impacted student engagement?
“The ones that are sitting and watching are identifying people with problems and helping them make adjustments on the fly — and they’re seeing their numbers increase,” Duncan told us. “And as others get better, they’re jumping in. It’s a matter of getting our weakest link up to speed with everyone else, and I see that happening.”
Learn more by watching the video above.
Have welding simulators affected your budget?
“The biggest thing I’m driving into [my students’ heads] is that this is muscle memory,” said Duncan. “Once you learn the muscle memory, you go out and use the consumables… and your expense rate is less. We’re not going to waste steel; we’re not going to waste wire; we’re not going to waste rod. You’re going out there to jump into it in a productive way.”
Learn more by watching the video above.
Did you know? The guideWELD® VR platform calculates the cost savings of every virtual weld, allowing you to see your ROI on training with virtual welding simulations. Learn more.
Have welding simulators had any surprising effects on your students?
“Welding is just one component of the bigger picture,” Duncan told us. “You can get into custom cars, motorcycles, underwater welding, pipeline welding… take your mind out of the box… you just opened up a whole new world for yourself.”
Learn more by watching the video above.
Additional resources
If you’re looking for more information on implementing welding simulators into your classroom, consider these resources:
- Read Duncan’s complete story to learn more about how and why he incorporated these tools into his curriculum.
- Visit our Welding Implementation Page to download a case study that profiles welding instructors, plus a downloadable guide on getting started with 21st Century training tools.
- Hear from students who used guideWELD® VR by reading this recent blog.
