ALS embraces modern technology

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shane M. Phipps
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  As technology continues to propel society into a vast, paperless, digital age of easy information, it becomes imperative for any workforce to stay current with generational changes. This includes the military.

MHAFB's Airman Leadership School has recently integrated a trial run of a popular brand of electronic-books into the regular syllabi.

"We are the first school in Air Combat Command to use [e-books] as a student guide to take home and study from," said Tech. Sgt. Katherine Burcar, ALS lead flight instructor. "This generation is more technologically inclined than I was when I first came in the military, and the use of the [e-book] is just getting in line with that."

The e-books have not only proved to be cutting-edge learning tools but have the potential to save the Air Force thousands each year.

"We will save about $8,500 per year by using the [e-books]," explained Burcar. "Previously we were printing books and note-takers for each student, and this will definitely bring that cost down."

Within the many advantages manifesting from this new technology, a favorite amongst students is the simplified workload.

"I really enjoy the ease of use," stated Senior Airman Joshua Andersen, ALS student from the 366th Medical Group. "I don't have to carry around multiple books, it's easily maneuverable, and for those people who don't enjoy to read, it can actually read to you."

From an instructor's standpoint, Burcar can see this learning-tool increase educational efficiency.

"It lightens their load," explained Burcar. "We have four different blocks of training and curriculum as well as 36 reference materials. So, instead of them carrying around all those books, now it's just one small book for note-taking and everything else is on the [e-book]."

The significance of the Air Force maintaining its technological savvy is a thought not lost on ALS management.

"I think it's extremely important for the Air Force to utilize technology like this," said Burcar. "This generation is very high-tech, and they need to see changes like this because it's cool. Everyone wants everything digital and electronic. That's our generation now."