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Entertainment Technology Saves Lives
Entertainment technology is saving lives and facilitating efficient workmanship. The notion of games “being just for kids” is no longer logical or truthful. Many industries use entertainment technology to augment training and procure skills.
Case examples
The Army and Navy use simulations to train soldiers. The army manipulates a “serious game” orchestrated to train cadets in supplement to classroom lectures. Duke University’s ROTC program trains its cadets using simulations testing skills in land navigation and basic infantry tactics.
Edwards Technologies Inc. supplied their innovative acumen to create a Navy training site in North Chicago. Revered as the ultimate in naval warfare simulation, the site begins training recruits in the summer of 2007. The site offers 16 realistic scenarios based on historic naval events as the training ship “travels” between two ports.
The 210 ft. long three-deck replica of a guided missile destroyer housed in a 156,896 sq. ft. two-story structure can accommodate 352 recruits. A true-to-life and demanding 12-hours test awaits the recruits. Edwards Technologies installed special effects and equipment in order to bring the ship to life. Effects include line handling, loading stores, fire, flooding, smells, screams, fog, shaking floors, explosions, and mass casualties.
“We needed more realism for better training,” said Capt. Michael Moran. Duke University’s Lt. Col. Chuck Hodges offered similar comments. “These are the people that are fighting our wars. We can’t train them with just white-board chalk.”
Why simulation is effective
Simulations are effective because it causes the brain to react in the same way as in reality. Richard Kristof, president and CEO of American Research Institute in Morrisville, N.C. states, “Knowledge makes up 5 percent of learning. Ten percent is transfer of skills. Eighty-five percent is ability to adapt and apply that information.”
Simulations are an excellent way to transfer skills learned into real-life situations. The next best thing to a real situation is a simulated replica. Skills are procured and lives saved from the employment of technology-driven training. Lt. Col. Hodges mentioned the marked increase in cadet productivity.
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