| The aim of the FWSafeXR project is to reduce the accident rate in forestry work through the use of new digital training technologies. To this end, safety-related training content in forestry technology was identified and simulated using phenomenological learning approaches in eXtended Reality (XR) technology. The project pursued a user-centered design approach, which ensures that the relevant stakeholders (trainers, technical experts, etc.) in existing forestry training are fully involved in the development and that their requirements and needs are covered by the prototypes to be developed. In addition, the area of medical first aid in the forest, which is very closely interwoven with the safety-relevant aspects of forestry technology, was also considered.
Based on this requirements analysis, three XR training modules were implemented as prototypes in the course of the project: 1) preparation, 2) tree felling in the forest and 3) carrying out a helicopter operation after an accident. In addition, a gamification concept was developed to enrich the training with playful elements. This prototype subsequently formed the basis for the final scientific evaluation of the XR-based learning concept as part of a large-scale evaluation study at FAST Traunkirchen, in which 73 people took part. In this study, the user experience and acceptance of the XR prototypes as well as the added value of virtual training compared to traditional learning methods were examined using objective learning transfer criteria. The study results show that the forestry XR training was very well received by the participants and that the learning success was also significantly increased as a result: the XR test group made significantly fewer errors when completing the tasks compared to the group with traditional training materials. Overall, the XR training was rated as very useful, helpful and motivating, which indicates a high level of satisfaction and acceptance on the part of the trainees.
The project results are relevant for both, forestry training as well as organizations primarily active in the health and safety sector, since XR-based training simulations create practical, directly tangible case studies that better prepare course participants for dangerous and emergency situations. In this way, the lessons learned and the results of this project will pave the way for further steps in occupational safety, prevention and assistance. |