Development and evaluation of an advanced training technology course within a union-based industrial emergency...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Educational Technology
• Workplace Training

Background:

• The United Automobile Workers' Health and Safety Department integrated Advanced Training Technologies (ATTs) into their Industrial Emergency Response (IER) program.
• The updated curriculum aimed to combine web-based technology with established methods like peer trainers and the Small Group Activity Method (SGAM).
• The goal was to maintain the program's focus on team problem-solving and worker empowerment while introducing new technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of integrating Advanced Training Technologies (ATTs) into an Industrial Emergency Response (IER) program.
• To assess trainee perceptions of the new technology-enhanced curriculum.
• To determine if ATTs could be incorporated without negatively impacting participant-centered learning philosophies.

Main Methods:

• A survey with open- and closed-ended questions was administered to trainees participating in the program.
• The evaluation was conducted by the University of Michigan.
• Data was collected from 46 respondents.

Main Results:

• The majority of respondents rated the program highly.
• Trainees reported that internet technology facilitated quicker access to up-to-date information.
• Peer trainers were identified as a highly favored aspect of the program.
• Participants did not experience difficulties with a group size of three per computer.

Conclusions:

• Workplace health and safety training programs can be effectively enhanced by introducing Advanced Training Technologies (ATTs).
• The integration of ATTs does not necessitate compromising participant-centered, group learning methodologies.
• The study demonstrates a successful model for modernizing safety training programs.