Going beyond the fundamentals by enhancing early nuclear worker training with 3D learning modules from L-3 MAPPS can mean a new generation of workers are more prepared than ever before.
Generic Fundamentals training is the first step in becoming a reactor operator and is an introduction to the basic building blocks of the nuclear power plant. Students learn about the theory, construction and operation of plant components such as valves, pumps and heat-exchangers.
This training is crucial to a sound foundation for the remaining skills required to operate a nuclear power plant. However, according to the National Training Institute's 'Learning Pyramid', the most basic training methods are still being used to convey this very valuable information. The typical training programme is usually based on classroom fundamentals, characterised by text books, lectures and PowerPoint presentations, all with basic and sometimes minimal visual support, resulting in inadequately low retention rates, particularly with today's younger generation of workers. Students also participate in plant walk-downs where they can get an appreciation for some of the equipment they are learning about. Optimising the teaching and learning process should start by adopting basic teaching concepts that apply to all students.
Seeing is understanding
When describing an object or concept with limited or no visual support, students will use their imagination to construct their own mental model. Imagination is very subjective, however, and the result will be different from person to person. Studies have shown that most of the information processed by the brain is visual, and that the brain has been wired to process visual information much faster than text or sound. Therefore, to accelerate the process of understanding and to minimise the risk of misunderstanding, imagination can be taken out of the equation by providing visual support to lectures.
Interacting helps memory
Interactive learning modules can be launched from existing training material. Listening or reading is a passive exercise where a person tries to process, understand and remember the information presented in the lecture. Unfortunately, the efficiency of passive learning varies greatly with each person, being dependant on a multitude of factors such as attention span, interest in the subject or state of mind during the lecture. One way to increase the efficiency of teaching is to transform passive learning into active or interactive learning. By actively engaging the students during the learning session, the training can create links between the subject being taught and an actual experience, increasing retention greatly.
3D learning modules
L-3 MAPPS recognises that effective teaching and learning start with the right tools. Based on the fundamental teaching concepts of seeing and interacting, L-3 MAPPS, in cooperation with TriLink Systems, developed learning modules with 3D visualisation to supplement the Generic Fundamentals course curriculum.
With the '3-D Learning Modules', students can explore how plant equipment is built and how it works. The external casings can be dissolved; components can be rotated and zoomed to display their inner workings. Not only are the components identified, but the physical operation is animated, eliminating the difficult task of trying to mentally picture equipment operation from traditional, static 2D representations.
Enhancing the existing curriculum
The learning modules run within popular web browsers such as Windows Internet Explorer or Google Chrome, removing the need to purchase and learn new software. This makes access to the learning modules easy and flexible. The modules can be installed locally on the computer used, or on a central server that can be accessed by all teachers and students. Direct access to the modules can be provided, or simple web links can be added to the existing courseware such as PDF documents or PowerPoint presentations, for example.
The user interface is simple, clean and intuitive, removing the technological barriers between the users and better learning. In addition to a host of mechanical equipment learning modules that L-3 MAPPS can make available to support your training programme, its team of experts can develop modules based on your specifications for mechanical and electronic equipment.
