Immersive Learning Using Virtual Reality Systems for Railway Education

摘要

Educating the professional and technical workforce for the railway industry presents unique challenges. Safety concerns and limited accessibility to railway systems (e.g. track, maintenance facilities, etc.) present difficulties for hands-on education. Recreating this environment in a laboratory setting can be cost prohibitive and presents additional safety challenges in the University setting. To address these challenges, university educators are exploring the use of immersive learning technologies in the classroom. Virtual reality (VR) systems and computer simulation software are advancing rapidly to meet these education needs and also to facilitate remote learning. The Penn State Altoona Rail Transportation Engineering (RTE) program has recently developed a new TRAINS laboratory for Teaching Railway Applications through Immersive learning and Network Simulation. The TRAINS lab fosters immersive learning experiences, advances educational capabilities and increases student accessibility to railway engineering systems. This study explores the development and use of 360-degree virtual reality videos and immersive environments for railway engineering education. Best practices are presented for video development and content delivery. An assessment is made of current virtual reality systems and training simulators for railway education and recommendations are presented for industry and university applications. Use of immersive learning for K-12 education outreach is also considered. Finally, this study explores next steps for advancing immersive learning for railway education and suggests potential opportunities for collaboration with the private sector.