Bringing Training to Weather Service Forecasters Using a New Distance-Learning Tool

摘要

In the late 1990s, the National Weather Service decided to begin a transition from classroom training to distance learning, In response to this requirement, the Virtual Institute for Satellite Integration Training project was established with the goalof bringing meteorological instructors into forecast offices remotely, using a combination of the Internet and a conference phone line. To carry out its mission more effectively, the VISIT project developed a software application package known as VISIIview, which provides several new capabilities, including live two-way interactions. Additionally, VISIIview allows for the continuing expansion of teletraining functionality needed in today's environment of rapidly evolving technology and tight training budgets. Based on extensive feedback from participants, the VISIT project has fulfilled the original goal identified in 1998. The number of topics addressed, and participating students, has increased appreciably. A typical monthly training calendar now contains 20-30 teletraining sessions over a wide variety of topics. To date, over 10,000 training certificates have been awarded, and most student feedback suggests a direct applicability to current forecast problems. The VISIT Web site (online at www. cira.colostate.edu/visit) contains stand-alone versions of most sessions, with embedded instructor notes, that can be viewed using a Web browser. There are audio versions with instructor's annotations for selected sessions. The Web/audio versions make it possible to view the material at any time. VISIT teletraining applications continue to expand as more NOAA offices turn to this approach as a cost-effective solution to the problem of increased training requirements, coupled with shrinking training and travel budgets.