e-Learning in Aviation: (Ashgate Studies in Human Factors for Flight Operations)

About the Book

Whereas traditional classroom instruction requires pilots to be pulled 'off the line', a training facility to be maintained and instructors to be compensated, e-learning is extremely cost-effective and therefore an attractive alternative. However, e-learning only saves money if the training is effective. Eager to reap financial benefits, e-learning courses have a history of varying dramatically in quality. The poorest courses are those that directly convert classroom-based presentations to an online format, not recognizing that computer-based instruction is an entirely different medium.

Addressing this issue directly, e-Learning in Aviation explores the characteristics of computer-based course design and multimedia that are associated with improved learning. It then provides guidance regarding how to use research-based instructional design principles to plan, design, develop, and implement an e-Learning course within an aviation organization and continually evaluate whether or not the course is accomplishing instructional goals.

A blended learning strategy, which incorporates both face-to-face and computer-based instruction, is suggested as the most appropriate choice for the majority of aviation companies. The goal of this approach is to utilize e-Learning as a tool to reduce time at the training centre and thereby increase pilot productivity and potentially improve the quality of training. Although the examples within this book focus on pilot training, the suggestions and guidelines are applicable to all employee groups within the industry.

Table of Contents:

Contents: Part I: The Effectiveness, Theory, and Application of E-Learning in Aviation: The life of aviation training; What is e-learning?; Does e-learning work?; Foundational e-learning theories; The feasibility of e-learning for non-technical skills; Incorporating practice into e-learning. Part II: Instructional Design for E-Learning in Aviation: Instructional design for e-learning; Analysis; Design; Development; Implementation; Evaluation; References; Index.

About the Author :
Suzanne Kearns has held airplane and helicopter pilot licenses for the last 13 years. She holds a Helicopter Flight Training diploma from Canadore College, a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Science and a Master of Science degree in Human Factors and Systems Engineering both from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and a Ph.D. in Education specializing in Instructional Design for Online Learning from Capella University. She is currently an assistant professor teaching Commercial Aviation Management students in the Management and Organizational Studies program at the University of Western Ontario in Canada.

Review :
'E-Learning in Aviation provides an excellent comprehensive introduction to the most salient topics that should be considered in the application of effective learning strategies, teaching methodologies, and information technologies for aviation training in today's rapidly changing global and digital environments. Various models of experiential learning, that integrate the latest e-learning innovations with the social or human factors context, are an important feature that will undoubtedly enhance the students' learning outcomes. This book will also appeal to those managers who are considering new learning management platforms to develop a more productive and effective aviation organization. It is most essential and highly recommended.' K.Victor Ujimoto, University of Guelph, Canada 'At a time when aviation is turning attention to the needs of the next generation of aviation professionals, and when international standards are opening pathways to competency-based training, this book is an important addition to the literature. In the years ahead, the demand for aviation professionals will exceed supply. Training capacity will be stretched to the limit. Learning methodologies will have to respond to the learning styles of a new generation. Suzanne Kearns helps us see how learning in aviation can respond to the changes that are taking place and how we can use new thinking and new tools to make our training more effective and more efficient. All of this will help us bring more knowledgeable and more skilled - more competent - employees to the aviation workplace. The dividends of competency will be paid out in improved safety results and more efficient flight operations.' Jim Dow, Chief, Flight Training and Examinations, Government of Canada 'Suzanne Kearns addresses the issues facing those of us actively engaged in aviation education and training in a balanced and well thought out manner. She raises points that are at the heart, encouraging deep learning which should be the goal of all aviation education and training organisations. This book is essential reading for anyone who is serious about "good teaching" in the aviation environment.' Paul Bates, Griffith University, Australia 'eLearning in Aviation leads us on a journey from the early days of apprenticeship and simulation to the sophisticated world of performance-based training techniques. The book is more than just a review of the various shapes and forms of eLearning. It aids decision makers determine their training strategies, and it sets out the processes that practitioners should follow in order to implement eLearning from scratch. Suzanne Kearns writes in an engaging style, and does not shy from addressing the pros as well as the cons of eLearning in equal measure. She highlights the key theories about how we all learn, drawing intelligently from the vast array of literature on the subject. It is indeed refreshing to find an eLearning book that is genuinely aimed at aviation, and in so doing the author has gifted the industry with a blueprint that has the potential to bring about real change in the effectiveness of training.' Paul Clark, Managing Director, Through The Looking Glass