Computer-Based Simulation in Blended Learning Curriculum for Hazardous Waste Site Worker Health and Safety Training

Introduction

Over the last two decades, computer-based teaching technologies have been implemented for training workers about health and safety hazards on the job. Much has been accomplished in areas of software development, human-computer interface, and learning theory to improve adaptability of these technologies for teaching many kinds and levels of computer-based simulation products designed to deliver education and training. Corporations, public education, and various branches of military service are using and have realized benefits of simulation training materials.

This article presents a discussion of the application and learning utility of a computer-based simulation developed and provided by The New England Consortium (TNEC) for small group activities in health and safety training for workers engaged in Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER). Preliminary evaluation of this new format of simulation training was conducted to assess its utility and benefits from the point of view of both trainees and trainers. Evaluation methodologies included surveys of trainees, focus groups with trainers, and field observations of the developed simulation training. Although an experimental evaluation design was not used, the results are nonetheless informative for discussions of how computer simulation curriculum can be used for worker health education and training. We describe the development of the computer-based simulations that were incorporated into TNEC courses, and follow with a discussion of evaluation methods and results, and finally the implications of these findings.