An error-based augmented reality learning system for work-based occupational safety and health education

Area of Science:

• Education Technology
• Occupational Safety and Health
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Errors in technical vocational education and training (TVET) pose risks but offer learning opportunities, especially for occupational safety and health (OSH).
• Traditional preventive strategies often overlook the learning potential inherent in error-based scenarios.
• Mismatches between mental models and reality highlight the need for effective error-learning integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a didactic concept for a learning system that leverages errors for skill development.
• To enable learners to directly experience the consequences of erroneous actions using augmented reality (AR).
• To mitigate negative, dangerous, or cost-intensive outcomes through simulated error experiences.

Main Methods:

• Systematic adoption of a formal work system description to link work, OSH errors, and didactic concepts.
• Development and proof-of-concept execution of a learning system integrating digital twins.
• Technical, safety, and didactical critical reflection on the system's implications and limitations.

Main Results:

• A work-based didactic concept was developed, supporting OSH competencies through a learning system.
• The learning system integrates digital twins to simulate and visualize dangerous error consequences in AR.
• The proof-of-concept demonstrated the detection of action errors and AR simulations of their outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The AR learning system enhances OSH education by visualizing virtual consequences of errors.
• Current system capabilities are limited to predefined critical error scenarios.
• Future research should evaluate learning effectiveness and usability in industrial settings.