Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA
Date of Award
8-2014
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Manufacturing Engineering
First Advisor
Dr. Alley Butler
Second Advisor
Dr. Douglas Timmer
Third Advisor
Dr. Mark Winkel
Abstract
This experiment tests whether a virtual world is a more suitable alternative to classical paper and pen case studies for teaching people how to disarm improvised explosive devices (IED). Following preliminary training, the subjects are separated into a group of 32 and one of 33. The odd-numbered subjects receive case studies while the even-numbered subjects receive training in the virtual world, Second Life. After their training, each subject is put into a simulated test where they attempt to properly disarm a mock IED attached to a victim played by an actor/actress. The results of the experiment show no significant difference between the two instruction types in terms of the subjects’ ability to perform the correct procedures in a situation with an IED. However, a higher percentage of subjects taking the Second Life training properly disarmed the IED than that of those taking the case studies.
Granting Institution
University of Texas-Pan American
Comments
Copyright 2014 Benjamin Peters. All Rights Reserved.
https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/study-comparing-pedagogical-effectiveness-virtual/docview/1609202781/se-2