Authors
Catherine
Stocker, Benjamin
Sunshine-Hill, John Drake,
Ian Perera,
Joseph T. Kider Jr., Norman I.
Badler
SIG Center for Computer Graphics, University of Pennsylvania
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Abstract
In this paper we investigate the utility of an
interactive, desktop-based virtual reality (VR) system for training personnel
in hazardous working environments. Employing a novel software model, CRAM
(Course Resource with Active Materials), we asked participants to learn a
specific aircraft maintenance task. The evaluation sought to identify the
type of familiarization training that would be most useful prior to hands on
training, as well as after, as skill maintenance. We found that participants
develop an in-creased awareness of hazards when training with stimulating
technology - in particular (1) interactive, virtual simulations and (2) videos
of an instructor demonstrating a task - versus simply studying (3) a set of
written instructions. The results also indicate participants desire to train
with these technologies over the standard written instructions. Finally,
demographic data collected during the evaluation elucidates future directions
for VR systems to develop a more robust and stimulating hazard training
environment.
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Catherine Stocker, Ben Sunshine-Hill, John Drake, Ian Perera, Joseph T.
Kider Jr., Norman I. Badler, " CRAM it! A Comparison of Virtual, Live-Action and Written Training Systems for Preparing Personnel to Work in Hazardous Environment " IEEE International Conference on Virtual Reality (VR) 2011 (PDF) |
Evaluation Materials
Consent Form (.doc)
Demographic Questionnaire (.doc)
Instruction Sheets - CRAM (.doc),
T.O. (.doc),
Video (.doc)
Objective Test Description (.doc)
Objective Questionnaire (.doc)
Subjective Questionnaires - CRAM (.doc),
T.O. (.doc),
Video (.doc)
Debriefing Statement (.doc)
Results (.doc)
Demographic Data (.doc)
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank the
personnel at the 82nd Training Wing (82nd TRW),
Sheppard AFB, TX, including
Ms. Gina Johnson, as well as instructor and student
personnel assigned to
the Air Force Fighter F-15 Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice
Course
(J3AQR2A333A025A). In addition, Grace Fong and Samantha Raja helped in the
programming and creation of CRAM animations. Finally, 1st Lt. Dennis Riechman
and
Capt. Scott Pierce of the Air Force Research Laboratory and Patrick
Vincent of
Northrup Grumman Corp. for project management and logistics
support in realizing the
CRAM study. This work was supported in part by a
grant from the Air Force Research
Laboratory's Logistics Readiness Branch
(AFRL/RHAL) under the Technology for Agile
Combat Support (TACS) contract
(FA8650-D-6546, Delivery Order #15).
