TRB Pubsindex
Text Size:
x

« Prev Next »

Return to Results | New Search

Bookmark and Share

Title:

Training Skilled and Unskilled Highway Maintenance Workers in an Immersive Virtual Learning Environment

Accession Number:

01341187

Record Type:

Component

Abstract:

There are approximately 800 deaths in highway work-zones each year; this unfortunate statistic points to a need for a re-evaluation of training methodology. This research tested the use of an Immersive Virtual Learning Environment (IVLE) simulating real-world highway work zones. IVLEs go beyond traditional visual learning by presenting images that combine a new form of visual learning and virtual-experiential learning in a way that is more congruent with an individual’s visual images stored in memory and moves the adult learner out of the classic classroom and into an environment that diminishes intimidation. Immersive engagement allows the learners to move beyond memorization of the content and into application and synthesis of the material thus improving knowledge transfer and retention. A quasi-experimental design used a sample of 305 highway workers, who were diverse in education, socio-economic background, and propensity to use technology. Through a process of blind random selection, half the sample participated in the traditional class (control) and half participated in a blended delivery method class, incorporating the virtual learning environment (experimental). This paper reports on the initial qualitative findings of the study. The results of the quantitative study and a longitudinal study of knowledge transfer and retention are planned for subsequent phases of this study. This research established a solid theoretical and evidence based link between use of the IVLE and knowledge gain for that technologically marginalized population that forms the bulk of the employment pool for transportation entry level positions.

Monograph Accession #:

01329018

Report/Paper Numbers:

11-1977

Language:

English

Corporate Authors:

Transportation Research Board

500 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001 United States

Authors:

Cavin, Glynn
Machtmes, Krisanna
Coco, Mary Leah

Pagination:

12

Publication Date:

2011

Conference:

Transportation Research Board 90th Annual Meeting

Location: Washington DC, United States
Date: 2011-1-23 to 2011-1-27
Sponsors: Transportation Research Board

Media Type:

DVD

Features:

Figures (2) ; References (14)

Uncontrolled Terms:

Skilled labor; Unskilled labor

Subject Areas:

Education and Training; Highways; I50: Construction and Supervision of Construction

Source Data:

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2011 Paper #11-1977

Files:

TRIS, TRB

Created Date:

Feb 17 2011 6:00PM