Title: Integrating physical and virtual game-based simulation for operators' training to enhance learning effectiveness: an application in hazardous industrial spaces

Authors: Francesco Longo; Antonio Padovano; Lucia Gazzaneo; Giovanni Mirabelli; Alessandra Ferraro; Marco Pirozzi; Luciano Di Donato

Addresses: DIMEG, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Cube 45C, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy ' DIMEG, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Cube 45C, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy ' DIMEG, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Cube 45C, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy ' DIMEG, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Cube 45C, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy ' INAIL, Via Fontana Candida, 1, 00078 Monte Porzio Catone, Italy ' INAIL, Via Fontana Candida, 1, 00078 Monte Porzio Catone, Italy ' INAIL, Via R. Ferruzzi 38, 38/40, 00143 Roma, Italy

Abstract: Inadequate training and lack of risk awareness are among the main causes of work-related accidents in industrial facilities. Although new learning methods, such as virtual reality (VR), have been deployed, they still do not find implementation on a large-scale. This research proposes the concept of 'virtual training pills' (VTP), i.e. delivering learning content in the form of short educational games by using a common technological platform based on virtual, interactive and immersive reality. An application study has been conducted in the case of a decommissioned nuclear power plant, which is classified as confined and pollution-suspected space. These areas represent a challenging environment for maintenance and inspection activities. The results proved the potential of this novel game-based learning approach: short 'learning pills' are much more effective than long role-playing games. This work also discusses the benefits of workforce training based on VTP as an integration to live exercises for safety management.

Keywords: confined space; game-based learning; virtual reality; simulation; process modelling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSPM.2021.115866

International Journal of Simulation and Process Modelling, 2021 Vol.16 No.2, pp.130 - 146

Received: 03 May 2020
Accepted: 15 Dec 2020
Published online: 25 Jun 2021 *

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