Objective:
We examined whether part-task training produces better learning and retention than whole-task training of a trench-and-load task performed on a hydraulic excavator simulator.
Background:
For complex perceptual-motor tasks that involve several components and require spatial awareness of the environment, part-task training will be effective if the benefit of being able to focus attention on each component outweighs the cost of integrating the components. We predicted that such would be the case for learning to operate an excavator.
Method:
A part-task training group practiced separate Carrier Positioning, Trenching, and Truck Loading modules, whereas a whole-task training group practiced the Trench and Load module, which combines elements from the other modules. The latter module, involving different scenarios, was performed by both groups immediately after training and following a 2-week retention interval.
Results:
Production rate on the trench-and-load task was better overall on the retention test than on the immediate test. The part-task group showed improvement on the retention test compared with the immediate test, whereas the whole-task group did not. The part-task group showed higher productivity rates than did the whole-task group on the retention test.
Conclusion:
Part-task training on the excavator simulator results in better skill retention than does whole-task training. The benefit of part-task training is likely to be found for other tasks requiring control of implements in various environments.
Application:
Part-task training can result in better retention of complex perceptual-motor skills involving several components, even when immediate transfer to the whole task does not show better performance than whole-task training.
Virtual Reality (VR) technology can facilitate training in construction equipment operations, as the cost for virtual training is lower and the practical hazard is eliminated. This paper presents a virtual training system (VTS) for construction excavator operators based on a game engine tool. The focus of this paper is not to present a simulator that replaces those existing tools on the market, but to describe the development of a prototype for testing skill acquisition and transfer. The study reflects the experience of using a game engine to develop a VTS for an earthmoving excavator in a construction site. The development was initiated after exploring critical aspects of training. This paper also elaborates the principles of constructing a virtual excavator simulator based on the Unity3D game development engine.
A skilled operator of construction equipment needs to become proficient in the use and control of various classes or types of machines. It is thus important to establish effective training methods across these machine types and to determine the extent to which skills operating one machine transfer to another. An issue of concern is whether learning to operate a single piece of equipment is best if all practice is on that equipment, or whether intermixed training on a related piece of equipment can be of value (or possibly a hindrance). In the present study, naïve participants practiced performing a controls familiarization task on a simulated hydraulic excavator in an initial session. In a second session, one-third of the participants were trained on a simulated loader, another third continued practicing on the simulated excavator, and the final third engaged in an unrelated reading task. For a final session, all participants again performed the controls familiarization task on the excavator. Execution time, number of control errors, and ratings of mental workload decreased with practice. The intervening reading task led to more control errors in the third session, but training on the loader had no effect on any performance measure. Learning to operate a loader apparently does not interfere with learning to operate an excavator.
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