| This study attempts to compare the potential of virtual-reality-based training on a computer to an operator's manual, for learning about the fundamentals of equipment operation. As an example of a type of underground mining equipment, a continuous miner is used in this study.; After the VR-based program and exercise were fully developed, a field test was conducted at an underground mining operation, Mine A, located in the midwestern United States, where 12 volunteers were selected to participate in this study. Out of the total 12 participants, 6 were provided with an "Operator's Manual" typical of those provided for continuous-miner operation and were asked to carefully read the information provided. Another 6 participants, on a one-by-one basis, attempted the Virtual Reality program on the computer. After all the 12 participants were exposed to their instruction instruments, each was asked to answer a brief test of the information provided. After each participant had completed the test, each received the "other" instrument provided ("Operator's Manual") or demonstrated (Virtual Reality-based program). Each volunteer was then asked to complete a confidential questionnaire about their approximate age, their level of education, their prior exposure to computers, and their opinions regarding the training desirability of both the instruments for various aspects of machine-operation training.; Two evaluation tools were used to examine the effectiveness of the present computer-based VR program: (1) a knowledge test, and (2) a participant questionnaire. While the knowledge test evaluated the effectiveness of the present VR-based training program, the participant questionnaire focused on the desirability of such a training instrument for various aspects of machine-operation training. Data obtained from the knowledge test revealed that the participants in the "computer-based exercise" group scored higher than those in the "operator's manual" group. Data obtained from the participant questionnaire revealed that a majority of the miners who participated in the study preferred to use the computer-based VR program for the various aspects of machine-operation training in contrast to the operator's manual. |
