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Enhance Training on Simulators
Abstract
The application domain selected is LNG transportation industry, which uses LNG boil-
off gas to fire propulsion boilers for a steam propulsion plant. Human resource in this
sector is in short supply as the today’s marine engineers are mainly trained on diesel
engines. Hence, there is an acute need to convert management level diesel engineers
with ample diesel propulsion proficiency to steam propulsion engineers with additional
expertise of LNG gas handling in steam boilers and of operating the steam propulsion
plant. A Steam Propulsion Simulator from MPRI Ship Analytic1 is used to train steam
engineering to engineers, who are management level shipboard engineers with
certification on motor-ships. Using this course as a case study, the plan is to develop an
ergonomic supporting environment for the MPRI Ship Analytic Simulator. This new
learning environment is expected to provide a good level of support through the,
o Section 2 narrates the semantic map approach, which provides the rationale
for the development of the exploratory learning environment.
o Section 3 describes the resource-based support for training on the steam
propulsion simulator.
o Section 4 relates the computer-mediated assessments to scaffold learning.
o Section 5 provides the feedback from the last cohort.
o Section 6 draws conclusions and provides the future plans for the project.
1
(http://www.shipanalytics.com/MS/LSS_steam.asp)
2. Hyper Semantic Map Approach to Provide Exploratory Learning
Figure 1 shows the deconstruction of a major task of activating an LNG tanker from the
dry dock to full-away conditions using a RALO. Here the RALO splits the task of
starting up of the steam plant into a combination of smaller tasks. Thus a RALO has the
purpose of visualizing the overall sequential tasks at-hand and also providing interface
for accessing resources via this visual organiser.
The RALOs have nodes (in Fig.1 these are exercises on the MPRI simulator), which
have resources (e.g. texts, graphics, videos or more RALOs at lower levels) for
exploration by the learner. These nodes are learning objects (LOs: see Figure 2), which
are self-contained artefacts complete with knowledge resource and e-assessment
components.
It is expected that as the learners go through these sequential tasks and access the
resources, they would pick up the essential knowledge and proficiency required for the
task at-hand. They will also be able to assess themselves using the built-in e-assessment
components.
Nodes in a RALO function as learning objects (Hodgins, 2002). Learning objects (LOs)
have been defined in various ways (Bannan-Ritland et al., 2000; Wiley, 2000; Hodgins,
2002; Lezama, 2006) and is now seen as a topical issue in teaching and learning.
Learning objects provide a development platform, which lends itself to flexible usage in
course building. With the availability of ample digital resources, learners could be led
through constructivist ways to deconstruct knowledge resources and reconstruct the
same to suit their individual learning needs.
Although the LOs are developed to meet the requirements of a specific course, being
self-contained in nature, they are reusable in other courses if the courses share similar
objectives.
2
Details of CmapTools from IHMC available at: http://cmap.ihmc.us/
Figure 1 Resource-based Advance Learning Organiser
The main features of learning objects and their advantages for different groups of users
are shown in Figure 2 (Lezama, 2006). Benefits of reusability of these LOs are already
being realized in SMA as the LOs are being re-used in other courses with similar
objectives. CmapTools has an in-built search engine and scope for meta-tag definitions.
Hence, if the LOs are well-defined with meta-tags, locating the LOs should not pose
much of a problem. Granularity is expected to increase with each cohort as the learners
will progressively develop more LOs at lower levels. CmapTools lends itself easily for
scalability as the LOs could be arranged in various groups at different levels.
The LOs made with CmapTools can be attached with various resources. Resource-based
learning (RBL) is another topical issue in education (Bell & Lefoe, 1998; Hill, &
Hannafin, 2001). RBL and its implications in teaching and learning, as implemented in
the case study, are discussed in the next section.
Strategies for flexible learning should include effective organisation and representation
of knowledge. Localisation of knowledge using concept mapping tools can provide
resources for self-regulated resource-based learning (Tergan and Haller, 2003).
Figure 3. Resources for Safety Devices - doc file, ppt file and LOs at a Lower Level
According to Boechler & Dawson (2002), concept maps could become useful in helping
individual in his search for knowledge and knowledge resource. In this sense visual
search in computer-based knowledge maps resembles map-based navigation in
hypertext environments. In addition to visual search most computer-based mapping
tools provide functions for content search, thus providing automatic access to pre-
specified knowledge elements (Tergan, 2003).
Assessment practices shape, possibly more than any other factor, what is taught
and how it is taught in schools. At the same time, these assessment practices
serve as the focus (perhaps the only focus in this day and age) for a shared
societal debate about what we, as a society, think are the core purposes and
values of education. If we wish to create an education system that reflects and
contributes to the development of our changing world, then we need to ask how
we might change assessment practices to achieve this. (Ridgeway et al., 2006)
3
http://www.fscreations.com/examview.php
There is evidence that today’s educational requirements call for higher order thinking.
However, it is also claimed that there is a constant danger that assessment systems are
driven in undesirable ways, where things that are easy to measure are valued more
highly than things that are more important to learn but harder to assess (Ridgeway et al.,
2006).
Computer-mediation can help provide on-demand online tests with immediate feedback.
In the case study for LOs, there were specific on-demand online tests. The Figure 4
shows the process of developing an online network-based objective type of question.
The software suite ExamView is suitable for both non-numeric and numeric online
questions. Assessments were arranged in formative mode with low stakes, which means,
the learners were encouraged to attempt these assessment even when they were unsure
of the solutions. The immediate feedback from the server provided the grade achieved,
the right answer and its rationale. Hence, the assessment system served somewhat like
Skinner’s teaching machine, used so successfully in programmed learning4.
The association between teaching, learning and assessment (see Figure 5) is well
explained by Pellegrino et al. (2001). They distinguish three components of the
curriculum: the intended curriculum (set out in policy statements), the implemented
curriculum (which can only be known by studying classroom practices) and the attained
curriculum (which is what students can do at the end of a course of study). The links
between these three aspects of the curriculum are not really clear. Hence, according to
Ridgeway et al. (2006), the assessment system – tests and scoring guides - provides a
far clearer definition of what is to be learned than does any verbal description (and
perhaps provides the only clear definition), and so is a better basis for curriculum
planning at classroom level than are grand statements of educational ambitions.
Pedagogy
4
http://www.coe.uh.edu/courses/cuin6373/idhistory/skinner.html
Learning
Assessment
`
The learners were given 10 to 12 online formative assessments per week to self-evaluate
their progress. At the end of the course, there was also an online summative assessment,
which was served to establish the grade of the learner and was also used by Maritime
Port Authority of Singapore to issue the required certification in steam engineering
knowledge. The Figure 6 shows some of the formative assessment on the server and a
part of one assignment.
As all the details of student performances are recorded, the difficulties in understanding
of a part of the content are immediately highlighted and necessary actions could be
taken by the facilitator. The digital assessment and scores were recorded in the server
and creates a good transparent means of developing student portfolios (ExamView has
built-in facility for generating student progress report). The student portfolios will
provide the potential employers a clear picture of the course coverage and also all stake
holders could provide feedback on coverage, thereby allowing the provision for critical
evaluation of course content and progressive improvement of the course structure.
Learner feedback was also made a part of the server-based process and these are
discussed in the following section.
The learner expectations based on his past learning experiences in a learning situation
could pose difficulties in accepting new ways learning (Fidishun, D. 2000). Quoting
Fidishun, adults resent and resist situations in which they feel others are imposing their
wills on them. In the case study, we were dealing with senior engineers, who already
had substantial experience of post-secondary education and therefore had distinct
expectations about the way a course should be delivered and run. So, to sell a totally
new way of learning was indeed a challenge for the course facilitator. Even the
classroom arrangement (see Figure 7 below) was very different from the conventional
ways of learning in a classroom.
A traditional classroom arrangement in SMA Learning sessions during the case study, showing the
showing the transmission mode of learning. student-centred classroom arrangement with ample
scope for 1) computer-mediated interaction with content
& 2) team work.
Figure 7 Comparing Classroom Arrangement with Conventional Arrangement at SMA
However, the feedback received was generally positive and would encourage us to
pursue this new way of computer-mediated learning for maritime education at the SMA.
The following table summarizes the feedback received from the 10 mature students in
our last cohort.
4. What are the weaknesses of the module? o This method of teaching may
not be effective for those who
are expecting to spoon feeding.
o Supporting knowledgebase
structure was shown on the
same computers, which were
running the simulator. Had to
stop the simulator to see the
knowledgebase.
o Cannot find any flaw in this
method of learning. Given a
choice between traditional
learning and this method, I shall
choose the later.
o Student without having some
minimum knowledge of
computing will find this course
difficult.
o No shipboard visit
o Concept maps are not yet fully
linked.
5. Was the module enjoyable? o Module was really interesting
o Very interesting and informative
o Very friendly and informal
environment
o Very enjoyable throughout the
course
o All the way yes
6. Why choose Singapore? ++ o Cost effective and I find
Singapore to be a homely
environment
o Cheaper and yet the course is
using a lot of technology
o Faculty is knowledgeable
o Singapore is more advanced in
computer usage
o I continued from my earlier
course in Singapore. So it was
convenient
From above that, it can be said that this new way of learning was acceptable to this
mature group of students. However, at the beginning of the module a few of the students
were worried about the adequacy of their computer knowledge. It was also found that
the younger learners were more comfortable in using CmapTools and ExamView
software. Hence, their contributions to the knowledgebase were more than the older
members of the cohort.
A number of learners expressed comments on the use on the same computers, which
provided both simulation of the steam plant and supporting knowledge-base. This
actually meant that they had to put the simulator ‘on hold’ while checking on the
knowledge-base. Additionally, some complained about the missing links as the
knowledge-base was still being developed.
In the next concluding section, we discuss our next steps in the development work,
which is being planned at the World Maritime University campus in Malmö, Sweden.
The work will be carried out by the SMA team under the guidance of Professor Takeshi
Nakazawa of WMU.
The paper described a case study undertaken at the SMA and supported by WMU to
develop a more effective learning environment for simulation-based training of
maritime officers. The experience gained in using a new model of learning based on
development of learning objects, resource-based learning and integrated, on-demand,
online assessments were also described .
Feedback received from the last cohort points to the inadequacy of the learning
environment as the same computers were used for both simulation and knowledge-base
support. We are planning to separate these two systems and expect to provide different
networks for the interactive learning system and the simulation system. The proposed
environment is shown in the Figure 8, where a computer is shown on the right-hand side
of the figure, which will form a part of a new knowledgebase server network. This new
arrangement will make RALOs accessible at all times without interruption of
simulation. Formative assessments will also be made available using the knowledge-
base server.
A group of final-year marine engineering students from SMA will be working on this
aspect of the project to upgrade the course content and to try out these new scenarios
under the supervision of the authors at the World Maritime University, Malmö, Sweden.
Also, the opportunity would be taken to get an evaluation of the simulation-based
learning environment by the international maritime lecturers, who are available at
WMU.
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank Singapore Maritime Academy for supporting the project and
providing the funds to upgrade steam learning facilities at SMA and to undertake this
research work. We also want to thank the World Maritime University for extending
support to this project and for accommodating SMA team at the WMU campus and for
providing guidance in our research direction. We also thank the Maritime Port
Authority of Singapore for supporting the project and for providing technical assistance
in formulating the steam engineering curricula and the assessment system. We need to
acknowledge Aalborg Industries Singapore for their continuing support in providing
expertise and also for providing funding for the project. We also acknowledge the
contribution made by the MPRI Ship Analytic team at Singapore for supporting the
project by providing professional support during the running of the Steam Propulsion
Simulator for LNG Carriers at SMA. Finally, we must thank our participating students,
who supported the trials whole-heartedly and contributed generously to improve the
system knowledgebase.
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