My Airport Operations

Introduction

One need look no further than the Internet to find a host of programs and suppliers ranging from "employee security awareness" to  ground safety; and from aviation management, leadership to airport marketing and much more.

Computer Based Training [and here we are referring to more than a simple video or STP package] or CBT has become the venue for cost-effective learning on a broad scale.  Widespread use of the Internet combined with innovative technologies such as blackberries, i-Pods, i-Pads, Kindle and more have opened an entirely new dimension to mass instruction.  Available on-demand and self-contained, these programs offer a truly economical alternative to the traditional training model.  No longer need administrators select a chosen few to attend a mandatory training, calculate travel, costs, hotels, per diem, instructional tuition for all (which can range between $ 1,500 and 3,000 USD per student) before attempting to justify to a bevy of CFO's, assistants and others, expending their entire annual budget in sending a cadre of officers off-site for a one-week certification session.

Far from a panacea for not having fully trained and certified instructors, CBT training can be an alternative in presenting several key modules en mass to airport or airline security personnel, contractors and other employees.  Instruction such as: Airport ID Media, General Security Awareness and Ground Safety procedures are all prime candidates for e-learning. 

Before we all rush out, log on to the internet and begin a frantic search for "cheap" learning providers there are a few critical areas decision-makers might want to consider. First and foremost, let us examine what exactly is the underlying meaning of learning.

According to Gerhard Fischer, noted lecturer at the University of Colorado at Boulder,

By definition, "leaning is a goal-directed process of a system that improves the knowledge or the knowledge representation of the system by exploring experience and prior knowledge"¹  Learning can be: a) the acquisition of new knowledge, b) the development of motor and cognitive skills through instruction and practice, c) the organization of new information into general effective representation and practices and d) the discovery of new facts and theories through student observation and experimentation.  In short, learning is acquisition of new information manifested through changes in student behavior, physical actions or his/her cognitive processes.

Knowledge-based vs. Skills-based Learning

It ought to be self-evident that not all subjects lend themselves well to a CBT-based environment.  Proficiency in aviation security can be divided into two distinct categories: a) those areas which are knowledge-based – such as regulatory requirements, policies and background information, and b) those which are skills-based – such as aircraft and vehicle searches, checkpoint screening, bag and cargo searches and the like.  This type of learning requires "hands-on practicum" and instructor-observed evaluation to be truly effective.   One can no more become proficient at driving a car by simply viewing a video, any more than one can learn proper search procedures by clicking the view next button on their computer's keyboard. For AVSEC administrators, the first step in determining the contents of their CBT training is to ask:" 'What exactly is it that I want the students to learn'?  'Will learning be of an academic nature or skills-based practicum'?  If it is to be solely knowledge based – such as the written policy of the Airport Security Awareness Program, or key concepts of ground safety – a CBT program MAY be the right solution.  If, on the other hand, students need to acquire a practiced skill – say aircraft, bag or vehicle search techniques, where corrected physical repetition of technique is required, one may want to consider the learning take place in an actual as opposed to virtual classroom environment - where students can practice theory in the presence of, and under the observation of, a certified instructor.

A sample decision chart is illustrated below:

 

 

If, as in the case of Airport Security Screener, the goal is to acquire both academic knowledge AND enhanced technical skills – a hybrid CBT program combining the aspects of interactive distance learning with the two way visual and  audio communication of the 'virtual classroom' may be the most effective yet, unfortunately also the most expensive to undertake. Not to be dissuaded by cost, with all the obvious benefits of a CBT instructional program: ease of availability and access, cost effectiveness, real-time updating, automated administration, and instant global feedback, there is certainly a place for the CBT learning component in any airport or airline operation.

Selecting the Right Provider

Even for those organizations fortunate enough to have a full-time complement of certified instructional staff, CBT modules can save time, resources and greatly simplify scheduling of training and staff personnel.  Having learning modules available "on demand" versus the enormous task of juggling bodies on and off shift, working with compensating for 'off days' and trying to develop  simple structures of training time all can enormously complicate an already difficult task. By taking new technologies, thinking out of the box and validating the learning process, trainers can effectively manage even the most rigorous regulatory demands.

A quick Google search under "aviation security CBT training', yields some 20,000 results, asking for 'aviation security distance learning' will give roughly some 203,000 results.²  Quite a daunting array of online learning programs, modules and delivery interfaces.  When selections range from simple video presentations to interactive PowerPoint® presentations to truly 'new' interactive Flash® based programs for both desktop workstations and mobile devices – such as i-Pads and Kindle machines, where does one begin?

Security administrators ought to consider the following six items before deciding on committing to any CBT provider.

Step 1: Credentials – Is the CBT producer recognized by any of the regulatory agencies?  What are the qualifications of the provider's staff?  Do they maintain experts in both the fields of education and aviation?  How long have they been in business?  What professional credits do they have to their name?

Step 2: Content – Is the content fixed, or flexible?  How well does the standard module content match the local requirements of the National AVSEC Training Program the requirements of local Airport or Airline Security Programs?  Is the content interesting?  Will the module hold attention – is it both informative and entertaining?  Is the information presented in a language and level staff will comprehend?

Step 3: Interactivity - What are the interactive features of the module?  Are these features easy to utilize?  Does the local internet connection speed meet the minimum requirements of the CBT program?  Is the program stored locally (on airport or airline servers) or is it accessed through an open internet connection?  Does the student receive immediate feedback from their actions, or is the module simply a one-way conduit?  Can students interact with each other or instructors on a regular basis?

Step 4: Evaluative Instruments – Does the module contain a Pre-Test and Post Test written or documentable exam? Are there periodic quizzes or other evaluative instruments designed to gauge the degree of student comprehension of certain key concepts or activities? 

Step 5: Administration and Record Keeping - Does the module maintain student training records?  Can records be accessed 24/7 by staff?  Can students' time and charges progress be tracked in real-time?  Are there administrative privileges granted to key supervisors, training managers and operations directors?  Are records printable?  Are individual student analysis illustrations available to monitoring instructional staff?  Are back-up records stored, maintained and easily accessible?  Will the Certificate of Successful Completion count towards ICAO USAP, IATA -IOSA and National level AVSEC Audits?

Step 6: Cost and Maintenance - What is the total 'package' price?  Are the costs of internet upgrade included?  What are the server fees?  What is the average 'down time' for maintenance, upgrade and repair?  Are there additional charges for customization of content?  Can the module be 'localized' to my operation? (in video, content and interface)  Are there additional charges for an increase in users? Do I receive a rebate if my usage is less than the stated contract amount?  Is there a multi-facility discount?

These are all key issues for Security Directors, Administrators and IT tech support staff to ask and answer PRIOR to agreeing to undertake anyone's CBT program.

Keeping the "Bean Counters" Happy

 Of course as a viable alternative – given a little initial investment in assistance – one could promote the idea of developing and maintaining an 'in-house' CBT program.  Not nearly as complex or expensive as one might think, the development of in-house expertise can go a long way in convincing CFO's and corporate accountants as to the value of a CBT program.  When linked to such technologies as Information Migration - bringing all the corporate training, manuals, forms, inspections, manifests and ticketing onto one platform under one IT system can literally save millions of dollars over a very short period of years.

Notes

1.       Fischer, Gerhard, Lecture: 23 October 1996, "Knowledge in Learning and Human Learning, Chapter 21, Russell/Norvig.

2.       Google Search – 3/6/11 , 1100hrs EST

 

To Learn More

To learn more about Computer-Based Training, its costs, limits and applications contact our Innovative Technologies Department by email at: info@spranza.com or by telephone at: +772 905 3106