High-Tech Training



I was searching through one of the best technological tools known to man….the world wide web, when I came upon this article in PC Magazine. The topic for the article was “Secret Service to Adopt Video Game for Training... Finally.” (Duffy, 2011) My thoughts was “really? They are just now thinking about that?”

The interactive “training” video will replace their miniature Tiny Town model. This “video game-like environment with 3D models, smoke and chemical plume simulators, and in general, more interaction, as trainees will be able to see and move around the world in both first- and third-person perspectives.” (Duffy, 2011) Now, one would think that the use of two types of training modules would be used for future training of Secret Service agents. This would be not only the interactive video but simulation style trainings. Duffy goes on to explain how this training would be viewed by the trainee. “Three 55-inch touch-screen kiosks will serve as the interface when the system launches at the Secret Service's James J. Rowley Training Center near Washington, D.C. this spring. The set-up connects to a computer running Virtual Battle Space (VBS2), which serves as the base simulation game.” (Duffy, 2011)

The use of simulation training can give life to certain real world events to use as practice which will allow the trainee to make a mistake without real risks that can cause harm or death. This is to do a trial and error test run. In the PC Magazine on line I read an article about how a security consultant and trained commercial pilot Hugo Teso, developed an Android app that can remotely take control of an aircraft. I know that sounds extremely terrifying especially after 9/11 and the threats of foreign terrorists. But for training purposes this is a good training tool for new pilots both commercial and military. Teso demonstrated, “ Using the application, dubbed PlaneSploit…how to virtually hijack flight desk computers and feed false navigation information to change the course of a simulated jet… By manipulating the ADS-B, Teso was able to select targets, then gather information from the ACARS, exploiting its vulnerabilities by delivering what Help Net Security said were "spoofed malicious messages that affect the 'behavior' of the plane." (Mlot, 2013) That is scary to know. But by using these Interactive Videos and Simulators will help the trainee learn the “what if’s” before actually being put in a situation, freeze from the terror of not knowing what to do and putting themselves as well as others in even more potential danger.

Michelle Reece and Barbara Lockee wrote “Blended learning is a prominent trend in corporate training that has implications for distributed learning across a range of venues and constituents. Typically defined as an instructional program offered through a combination of two or more delivery modes, blended learning utilizes a variety of approaches, including print-based materials, instructor-led training, and web-based training, “(Reece, 2005)

Lauren Biron starts her article off with “Smartphones and iPads may figure prominently in military visions of the future of training but such devices won’t replace instructor-led learning anytime soon. “ (Biron, 2012) This is vastly approaching. For the Blended training method one will reflect on her own feelings. Personally this type of training is tied on the list with Computer Based Training and Self-Directed training. Blended training method is ideal for both the trainer and trainee. This allows the trainee to be able to work on some of the project alone on their time within the time slot allowed by the trainer. There are several disadvantages though to this method also. If you are not committed to the training time and have difficulty with time management, Blended, CBT and Self-Directed is not for that trainee. If part of your training involves a type of math and you are not math savvy then you would want to make sure that the section of math is done in the lecture setting or in a phone or email shot of the trainer so that you will be able to understand at that moment what is to be learned.

This brings us to the Computer Based Training method.

Robin McDermott wrote “CBT is completely different today thanks to advances in hardware and software. For one thing, most CBT products can run on nearly all computers. And due to the increased accessibility to fast hardware … each learner can access training exactly when it's needed at a time and location convenient for that particular learner. This means no more shut-down production lines during training and no more cancelled or postponed training sessions due to production emergencies. “(McDermott, 2013)

This one thinks would be a corporations blessing. Productivity does not have to cease, unnecessary money does not have to be allocated out to out sourced trainers or unused materials. Work life can continue on schedule. The employee can learn at their own speed and in some cases on their own home computers.


Reference

Duffy, j., January 2011 PC Magazine Secret Service to Adopt Video Game for Training... Finally
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2376678,00.asp

Reece, M., Lockee, B., December 2005 The Sloan Consortium Improving Training Outcomes through Blended Learning
http://sloanconsortium.org/jaln/v9n4/improving-training-outcomes-through-blended-learning

Mlot, S., April, 2013 PC Magazine Hacker Demonstrates Remote Plane Hijacking Using Android App
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2417668,00.asp

Biron, L., May 2012 Defense News ITEC: Blended Training is “The Way Ahead”
http://www.defensenews.com/article/20120523/TSJ01/305230009/ITEC-Blended-Training-8216-Way-Ahead-8217-

McDermott, R., 2013 Buehler Are You Ready for Computer-Based Training?
http://www.qualitydigest.com/aug01/html/cbt.html