Learning from training with the use of technical tools

Abstract

This is a study of learning from training with the use of technical tools. This paper is written as part of the BRIDGE project. The aim of the BRIDGE project is to develop technical and organisational solutions that can improve crisis and emergency management in the EU member states. The BRIDGE project consists of several Concept Cases. The focus in this thesis has been on a Concept Case called Training. A Norwegian company called Crisis Training AS (CTAS) is responsible for the Concept Case Training. CTAS have created a training solution called FRITS which consist of three technological tools for use during training. Two of the tools in this package have been studied, AKKA and MeTracker. The purpose of the thesis was to examine why training solutions assisted by technical tools increase the learning potential from training for personnel within the professional emergency network. And the conditions that need to be in place to achieve learning effects from training activities. Learning is not something that easily can be measured, it was therefore necessary to find some indicators for learning. Content, commitment and context was chosen as indicators. The content says something about what is learned. The commitment says something about how the learning happens and the context describes the conditions which make it possible to learn. In order to study the effects technical tools, for use during training, have on learning, two main sources was chosen; the military at Rena and the BRIDGE project. Links can be drawn from the technology at Rena to AKKA, one of the tools in FRITS. Both the technological solutions at Rena and AKKA offer opportunities to collect and store large amounts of data from exercises. This can be used further for learning purposes. It was found that the technology can influence the content of what is learned through detailed planning, collection of data from exercises and storing of data from previous exercises. The technology can also influence the other indicators for the individuals learning through activities surrounding the use of technology, for instance through preparation meetings, discussions and involvement in activities. The technology can increase the learning potential, but other conditions must also be in place. This is conditions the technology can facilitate, but the technology alone cannot provide the conditions. Focus on the individuals learning and allowing for involvement and contextual features in combination with the technology can provide good conditions for learning from training for the emergency response personnel.