Teaching Matters

PS9 R4b Delivering hands-on training to Defence from afar, and how it will make our in-person training better

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Teaching Matters 2020 | Presentation Details | 2 December 20202 Dec 2020

Title

Delivering hands-on training to Defence from afar, and how it will make our in-person training better


Author(s)

  • Damien Guihen, AMC Search, CoSE*
  • Rowan Frost, AMC Search, CoSE
  • Reuben Kent, AMC Search, CoSE
  • Chris White, AMC Search, CoSE


Subtheme

Digital connections


Presentation Type

Lightning Presentation


Room

Room 4


Time

11.40-12.05


Abstract

In March 2020, the schedule of upcoming Autonomous Underwater Vehicle courses for AMC Search was upended by the emerging COVID-19 crisis. AMC Search is the training and consultancy division of the Australian Maritime College, and amongst its portfolio of projects is the delivery of technical training to members of the Australian Defence Forces. These courses focus on the application of complex robotic systems to help meet challenges such as sea mine clearance and coastal mapping; and rely on considerable time spent interacting with instructors and equipment.

Both Defence and AMC Search were keen to find a path forward to delivery. As the national circumstances changed quickly in early April it became clear that in-person delivery was not a viable option. At that point the team implemented a traffic light system for marking up what could be delivered remotely and what could not. Activities that fell in the middle were coloured amber and pushed us to innovate. Maintaining engagement throughout the course was essential, thus we moved from delivery to a remote theatre to interaction on individual screens, which fostered much-improved connections between students and teachers.

In June, we delivered the first of our interactive, remote courses using computers shipped to students. The team of instructors, working apart, monitored and advised; and made real-time corrections and suggestions during practical exercises. This presentation will describe the solutions implemented to overcome our teaching challenges, and the lessons learned that will stick with us when face-to-face teaching resumes.

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