Taking tractor safety training to the virtual limits
4-H and Youth Programming
Shelly Dee Jepsen
Professor and State Specialist, Ag Safety and Health
Ohio State University Extension
Columbus
Abstract
Online education has rapidly increased in popularity. Tractor and machinery safety programs are the latest beneficiary of a digitized platform. Technology-enhanced learning engages today’s youth with quality instruction in an affordable and accessible manner to support the anytime anywhere concept. For the Extension educator, it accommodates busy schedules, as well as provide workforce development certification in a novel manner.
Designed around the current national curricula (National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program), a computerized course is available for various stages of learning. Students (and instructors) can access an online training program (AgSafety4u 2.0) for a self-study platform to increase tractor safety knowledge. Interactive modules use embedded videos, matching games, and more to engage participants’ learning. When students are ready to be tested, teachers can rely upon a recently validated WebXam to meet the testing requirements of the federal tractor certification program. Then, when students are ready for the skills and driving courses, a virtual reality component is available for young operators to know what to expect – and practice in a virtual environment. While VR is not intended to replace the hands-on skills component of the training, it allows youth to become comfortable with the testing environment, practice their maneuverability, and be ready to replicate their skills when they get on the live course. VR helps save instructor time in large classrooms, and also helps remote learners know what to expect when they arrive on testing day. The outcomes expected from this program are twofold in that they provide 1) an enhanced training experience for young tractor operators, and 2) additional technology-based tools for instructors to intensify their agricultural workforce preparation programs. Effective training can have a positive impact on youth to improve tractor safety skills and reduce the burden of injury from high injury-causing agents like tractors and machinery. The presentation objectives are for participants to understand the components of the federal tractor and machinery safety program, learn how to access training and testing components with a newly developed website, and interact with the classroom resources and Oculus headsets to try the VR tractor course.
Authors: Dee Jepsen
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Dee Jepsen Professor and State Specialist, Ag Safety and Health, The Ohio State University, Ohio, 43210