Assessment of the Virtual Environment Safe-for-Maintenance Trainer (VEST)

摘要

The 363d Training Squadron (TRS), Sheppard AFB TX, is assessing the training effectiveness and usability of their Virtual Environment Safe-for- maintenance Trainer (VEST). VEST is an immersive virtual reality (VR) environment that provides demonstrations, drills, and checks on performance for F-15E model (a) cockpit switch familiarization, (b) weapons station identification, and (c) external aircraft safe-for-maintenance procedures. The assessment includes performance data and apprentices reactions to the training experience. Results from the initial assessment of VEST provide considerable evidence for the value in training aircraft maintenance technician apprentices with VR technology. Although training in a VR environment may be a new experience for apprentices, their performance scores reveal acceptable levels of learning. Results from the continuous assessment support the earlier finding that VEST provides effective training and experience that would otherwise not be afforded F-15E aircraft maintenance apprentice technicians. Apprentice comments reveal an overall positive learning experience with VEST. Their comments also reveal a negative perceptual experience. Improvements need to be made to VEST to minimize negative aspects of training in virtual environments. The negative comments indicated fixable problems, i.e., instructional aspects, graphics quality, joystick difficulties, monotonous synthetic voice, and general usability.