Human error causes most incidents and accidents in the marine sector. To improve the quality of training, and therefore safety, a flexible multimedia learning system has been developed that offers customised self-learning programmes.
Developed under the IST programme-funded SLIM-VRT project, the partners’ work brings together technology with maritime and pedagogical expertise.
“SLIM-VRT introduces personalised e-learning for the first time in the maritime sector,” says project manager Nikos Skarpetis. “It is better than existing computer-based training that takes place onboard because it allows users to select courses according to their needs, preferences and future plans.”
The SLIM-VRT project analysed trainee-employee profiles, such as skills, qualifications, training needs/styles and formal/informal career development in the shipping industry. It also studied emerging job requirements in today’s changing maritime environment. Using this information, project partners produced an innovative self-learning for work methodology based on individual user personalities and needs.
The project also developed the ‘Virtual Training Based on Real Experience’ paradigm, an innovative virtual reality tool (VRT) that acts as a powerful simulator enables students to examine real conditions at sea without moving to an expensive simulation site.
“Existing simulators cannot realistically simulate, in a user-centred way, emergency situations such as fires, accidents, sinking and near miss situations,” he explains.
The platform is based on a new framework for developing Intranet/Internet applications, consisting of a core system (execution environment) and a set of components each responsible for operating a different functionality. The system uses XML technology to present the requested data on a Web page. Another innovation is the support to authors provided through a tool that allows them to produce cost-effective educational material tailored to the users’ context.
The SLIM-VRT system was piloted using 55 users, including seafarers, shipping company employees, marine academy students and newcomers to the industry. Evaluation data were gathered using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Skarpetis says the results were “extremely positive” . Project partners are exploring ways to exploit the system within the maritime sector.
The innovative virtual reality educational tool (VRET) can be easily adapted to other learning environments because the platform is fully customisable, while both the self-learning methodology and sub-system can support education and training needs of different user groups.