Evaluation of procedural learning transfer from a virtual environment to a real situation: a case study on tank maintenance training

Abstract

Virtual reality opens new opportunities for operator training in complex tasks. It lowers costs and has fewer constraints than traditional training. The ultimate goal of virtual training is to transfer knowledge gained in a virtual environment to an actual real-world setting. This study tested whether a maintenance procedure could be learnt equally well by virtual-environment and conventional training. Forty-two adults were divided into three equally sized groups: virtual training (GVT® [generic virtual training]), conventional training (using a real tank suspension and preparation station) and control (no training). Participants then performed the procedure individually in the real environment. Both training types (conventional and virtual) produced similar levels of performance when the procedure was carried out in real conditions. Performance level for the two trained groups was better in terms of success and time taken to complete the task, time spent consulting job instructions and number of times the instructor provided guidance.

Abstract

Practitioner Summary: A key issue for virtual environments for training (VETs) is the transfer of skills to real situations. An experiment investigated whether skills acquired in a VET could be applied in a real situation. Results suggest that a procedure can be successfully transferred from the virtual to the real.

Keywords::

• knowledge transfer
• maintenance
• procedural learning
• virtual environments for training (VET)
• virtual reality

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Nexter Systems and Nexter Training who provided financial support, as well as trainers and equipment for this research. Thanks are also due to an anonymous reviewer whose comments have helped to considerably enhance the quality of this paper.

Notes

^1. NEXTER job instructions (carte de travail) consist of a technical document describing maintenance procedures.