Extended reality (XR)-based training offers an effective way for educators to use 3D visualizations, making complex concepts easier to grasp for learners. This approach is especially useful in aviation weather training, where 3D visual cues play a critical role in information analysis and decision-making.
The perspective of instructors to incorporate XR into their classroom settings is often neglected. Commercially accessible XR-authoring tools that can be adopted for educational use often assume users possess advanced computer skills (e.g., software development skills). Even though instructors are domain experts in their field, the majority of them do not have sufficient software development skills to create the customized learning scenarios needed for effective aviation weather instruction. Thus, there is a need to bridge the gap between technical complexity to provide various instructor-needs and instructor-friendliness to minimize their learning curve and time in creating XR lessons.
To address this, Iowa State University and Western Michigan University are working together on an FAA-funded project to develop an XR-authoring tool for aviation weather training. This tool is designed to be instructor-friendly, regardless of their level of computer proficiency. The tool is intended to create scenario-based training exercises that support traditional methods (e.g., textbooks). By using this zero-programming tool, instructors can build immersive, interactive weather scenarios for students to explore and learn from.
The anticipated outcome of this research is to facilitate a shift from technology-centric to content-driven development, empowering flight instructors to effectively engage with scenario elements in aviation weather training. By developing the instructor-centered XR authoring development framework, we are expecting to broaden the accessibility of XR to educational use so that learners can reap the benefits of XR.
Team members in this project: Jiwon Kim, Kexin wang, Jack Miller, Michael Dorneich, Eliot Winer, Lori Brown, Geoff Whitehurst
(If you are interested in having your research featured with XRTG, email hfes.xrtg@gmail.com or shafiqul@vt.edu).
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Md Shafiqul Islam
Virginia Tech
Communications Chair, XRTG
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