Cloud computing is much more than a place to share data; It is a new place where people can easily and proactively interact with each other in a protected environment. Considering the benefits of cloud computing such as accessibility and secure interaction environment, it can be viewed as an ideal platform for distance learning scheme. This new training platform, based upon cloud computing, is termed “Computer Aided Training” or in short “CAT”, which combines the strengths of distance learning and class room training.
Currently available distance learning systems such as Computer Based Training (CBT) and Web Based Training (WBT) are used for ECDIS familiarisation training and they are widely recognised as alternatives to class room training: However, they lack in the two-way communication capability provided in a class room, which helps the trainee to benefit much more from the training course. With the add-on of Voice over IP capability in the CAT concept, CAT brings distance learning to a different level, because it allows for live communication by which an instructor and the trainees can communicate directly with each other. Also, the instructor can log into a training session and demonstrate and guide the trainee through an exercise.
By using a centralised cloud computer to run the training applications, it is easy to maintain and update the training application whenever necessary without affecting on-going training sessions at all. The most striking difference between CAT and CBT in this respect is that the CAT training application only has to be updated in one place, whereas an update of CBT would require replacement of all the training DVDs in use around the world. This is a very costly and inefficient process and there is no guarantee that every single training DVD around the world can be replaced.
A practical example of the successful implementation of a Computer Aided Training solution is the CAT-based familiarisation ECDIS training currently offered by one manufacturer. Having been introduced in autumn 2012, it has proven to work well and the feedbacks received so far from the customers have been rather positive. The use of CAT in tandem with the class room training provides wider, multi-tiered access to ECDIS familiarisation training in the way that is best-suited to the ship owners’ individual needs and demands.
By using the CAT technology, it becomes possible to incorporate the actual user interface (control panels/keypads) into the distance learning scheme. This means that it is possible to avoid the challenges often encountered when using local laptops and desktop computers with different operating systems, browsers and HW configuration. The CAT workstations are tailor-made for the purpose of familiarisation training and include the actual user interface device of particular ECDIS models.
In the case of ECDIS familiarisation training the workstation also comes with two displays: One is functioning as the ECDIS screen and the other is providing the operational platform of the training system including access to training documents and exercises information. Moreover, it will incorporate ship simulation screen in the future.
Since the CAT platform is so versatile, it can easily be modified to accommodate new requirements and needs. The processing power is concentrated in the cloud application server and hence the demands to the workstations used locally are not too excessive. With the increasing bandwidth on the internet and the constant expansion of the internet, CAT based training can be made available in more rural and remote locations in the foreseeable future. By using standard solutions and a common configuration, it can be installed and operated by people with a normal IT experience locally, and because the workstation automatically connects to the server when booted up, the trainee does not have to manually intervene during this process. The trainee is only obliged to log into the training programme with their accounts and the training starts rolling automatically.
By using CAT solution, the manufacturers are able to develop and offer maritime familiarisation training for their products, and the trainees can access the training application at the click of a mouse. This may lead to easy and cost effective training for crew to gain much deeper knowledge and operational expertise of the equipment they use on board a vessel.
Cloud technology allows for much more than data storage and data exchange. Ever such a lot of applications of cloud computing are the possibility, and even though the globe has been fully discovered there are still huge white areas in the cloud just waiting to be explored.
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