DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN SIMULATOR-BASED FOREST MACHINE TRAINING

1. DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN SIMULATOR-BASED FOREST MACHINE TRAINING DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN SIMULATOR-BASED FOREST MACHINE TRAINING (PROFORSIM) Learning environment Transfer of learning Tacit knowledge Product Project Manager, Senior Researcher Pekka Ranta, TUT/DMI/Hypermedia Laboratory, pekka.a.ranta@tut.fi

2. DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN SIMULATOR-BASED FOREST MACHINE TRAINING The description of the ProForSim-project Main funding: European Social Fund Total costs: 692 000 euros Timetable: 2002-2004 Main partner: Valtimo College of Further Education (Forestmachine) Other partners: • Finnish Forest Research Institute • Municipality of Valtimo • North Karelia educationalfederation of municipalities, • Northern Karelian Polytechnic • Komatsu Forest Inc. • Ponsse Inc. • Tampere University of Technology/Hypermedia Laboratory • Timberjack/Plustech Inc. • University of Joensuu Pekka Ranta, TUT/DMI/Hypermedia Laboratory, pekka.a.ranta@tut.fi

3. DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN SIMULATOR-BASED FOREST MACHINE TRAINING Goals 1. To develop on the basis of research information a modern technologies based and pedagogically sound learning environment, curriculum, teaching materials, study method range and evaluation method for forest machine simulator based study purposes. 2. To study the tacit knowledge of the harvester operator in genuine and simulated environments. Tacit knowledge refers to the know-how which is acquired through personal experience and which can be difficult to communicate to others or to represent schematically 3. To utilize research information in the development of forest machine trainer expertise and in the research and development of simulators. 4. To develop high-quality training materials which are also suitable for international use. Pekka Ranta, TUT/DMI/Hypermedia Laboratory, pekka.a.ranta@tut.fi

4. DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN SIMULATOR-BASED FOREST MACHINE TRAINING Results A curriculum, training exercises, study methods, an Internet-based learning environment and both digital and printed teaching materials for controlled timber harvesting study purposes. The modular curriculum facilitates implementation of the simulator-based study programme. The modules can also be tailored to the needs of further education. Solutions which support the study programme have been evaluated and developed with the help of feedback from learning experiments. The effectiveness of the training is significantly influenced by, in addition to the simulator itself, the teaching methods, teaching materials and guidance resources employed. Pekka Ranta, TUT/DMI/Hypermedia Laboratory, pekka.a.ranta@tut.fi

5. DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN SIMULATOR-BASED FOREST MACHINE TRAINING Cooperative research makes tacit knowledge explicit Assessment of the tacit knowledge of harvester operators represents a relatively new area of research. A total of 34 experienced operators from eastern Finland have participated in the different stages of the ProForSim -project. Research data was collated by means of data acquisition software linked to the harvester and the simulator. The software enables access to a rich source of process data concerning the forest work of harvester operators. In addition, working technique and time consumption data from the operators' forest work operations was also collected. Pekka Ranta, TUT/DMI/Hypermedia Laboratory, pekka.a.ranta@tut.fi

6. DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN SIMULATOR-BASED FOREST MACHINE TRAINING Cooperative research makes tacit knowledge explicit The experienced operator plans and anticipates his work chiefly in terms of strategic stand planning, tactical working position selection and choice of stem cross-cutting procedure. These procedures are performed in situ at an operative level, the study of which provides the basis for know-how evaluation. Significant differences exist from one professional operator to the next in the various stages of the work process. A single universal harvesting operations model is difficult to define due to the limitations set by changing harvesting conditions, varied demands of different interest groups and stand-specific harvesting instructions. Pekka Ranta, TUT/DMI/Hypermedia Laboratory, pekka.a.ranta@tut.fi

7. DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN SIMULATOR-BASED FOREST MACHINE TRAINING Cooperative research makes tacit knowledge explicit The research material has been analysed using work study analysis methods and with the help of self-organizing maps and multivariate and data mining methods. On the basis of the research results it has been possible to analyse operator proficiency and produce proficiency profiles for the different operator groups. Pekka Ranta, TUT/DMI/Hypermedia Laboratory, pekka.a.ranta@tut.fi

8. DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN SIMULATOR-BASED FOREST MACHINE TRAINING Operating Models for a Managed Logging Process The operating models illustrating the implementation of a managed logging process present the fundamentals and main concepts of mechanised logging. The video clips are suitable for studying the planning involved in mechanised logging, its management, quality, execution and work safety assisted by simulator sessions and practical training in the forest operating a real-life harvester. Pekka Ranta, TUT/DMI/Hypermedia Laboratory, pekka.a.ranta@tut.fi

9. DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN SIMULATOR-BASED FOREST MACHINE TRAINING Training materials designed for multi-use applications The training materials developed in the ProForSim project are suitable for both Finnish and international forest machine training. Furthermore, the module-based curriculum and learning environment can be adapted to the specific training needs of different makes of machine and machine entrepreneurs. Research data is utilised in both the teaching materials and in study practices. Results from the ProForSim project can be utilised in a number of different ways to meet a variety of use purposes and on separate data terminal equipment. Trainer expertise has been developed and will continue to be developed through frequent training events. Pekka Ranta, TUT/DMI/Hypermedia Laboratory, pekka.a.ranta@tut.fi

10. DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN SIMULATOR-BASED FOREST MACHINE TRAINING The results of the learning experiment (2002) • The modular curriculum includes the content • of module, aims, timetable, evaluation, • supportative studying material • (e.g. concept and videos) • The plan was appropriate and meaningful. • The students had enough time to practice and the operation as whole worked. • The videos and concepts were also useful. • The trainees felt that the real harvester motivated them more than the simulator and the teaching style could be more independent. • One third of trainees wished for a clear teaching and two thirds wished for their independent way (teacher is available). • The simulators support the evaluation and decision making processes. • The teachers reported that the experiences were very good. They pointed out the systematic way and better learning conditions. This greatly helped the work in the real environment. Pekka Ranta, TUT/DMI/Hypermedia Laboratory, pekka.a.ranta@tut.fi

11. DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN SIMULATOR-BASED FOREST MACHINE TRAINING Thank you of the interest for our project Contact Project Manager, Pekka Ranta Senior Researcher, Ed. M. TUT/DMI/Hypermedia Laboratory P.O. BOX 553, FIN-33101 Tampere phone. +358-(0)3- 3115 5606 gsm. + 358-40-8490173 email: pekka.a.ranta@tut.fi Pekka Ranta, TUT/DMI/Hypermedia Laboratory, pekka.a.ranta@tut.fi