Immersive Modular Preparedness Intelligent Tutor for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (IMPRINT NIOSH)

Project Summary/Abstract National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) hierarchy of controls (HoC) certification programs encompass in-classroom, online, and hybrid training methods. This requires instructors to deliver PowerPoint or video-based hands-on exercises that fail to meaningfully engage or immerse trainees. Hands-on and paper-based training methods cannot adequately represent physics-based concepts, such as differences between particulate matter and droplets, or more complex activities, such as how to make the determination of hazardous materials on a site and then establish an exclusion zone. These necessary training activities currently require trainees to complete the targeted steps using only their imaginations. Trainees are poorly served by this roleplay approach of complex and potentially lifesaving skills. This current approach provides neither immersive environments nor supportive learning for adults. Therefore, emergency response training organizations need a cost-effective training solution that increases the stakes, authenticity, and engagement of simulations to better equip trainees to remain safe and effective when in the field. Based on our successful Phase I demonstration of feasibility, Charles River Analytics, in partnership with The New England Consortium and Lt. Mike Kates of the Boston Fire Department, proposes to develop and evaluate a full-scope Immersive Modular Preparedness Intelligent Tutor for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (IMPRINT NIOSH). IMPRINT NIOSH aims to provide a robust, commercially viable, portable virtual reality (VR) solution that will be complemented by an intelligent virtual training system and development framework that actively improves trainees’ ability to perform HoC procedures within a range of engaging and realistic case studies, field scenarios, modules, and activities. IMPRINT NIOSH will include an intelligent tutoring system (ITS) that guides training via the untethered Meta Quest VR headset to provide an immersive, personalized experience. With IMPRINT NIOSH, trainees can overcome complex, dangerous situations in a safe, controlled environment through guided and immersive procedure rehearsal. Trainees will be accompanied throughout their experience with a virtual “training buddy” that employs adult learning theory in the context of lessons to enhance training outcomes. In Phase II, we will produce a system that complements existing training with a library of VR training modules and natural interactions, including locomotion and haptics that replace or augment current scenario-based activities.