Truckers keep on trucking with fresh learning experience, the EU way
Technology continues to take the world by storm, bringing many changes to industry. A case in point is the trucking industry. Images of people behind huge steering wheels that drive for long periods of time with only coffee and a CB (citizens' band) radio for company will be no more. EU-funded researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology (FIT) in Germany are offering logistics people and truckers a new learning experience where teaching is not confined within a conventional classroom. The LogiAssist system is an outcome of the ROLE ('Responsive open learning environments') project, which is funded under the 'Information and communication technologies' (ICT) Theme of the EU's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) to the tune of EUR 6.6 million. LogiAssist focuses on the needs of logistics enterprises and long-distance truck drivers. The upshot of this technology is that they can learn while out on the road using audio lectures, text documents or video. According to the FIT team, truck drivers must do a lot more than just drive. Where it used to be a job for almost anybody, trucking has become a skilled occupation that requires a number of qualifications. Today's truck drivers not only need to know how to drive fuel-efficiently and modify their routes to deal with loading and traffic situations, they must also keep an eye on their load and comply with statutory regulations. Adding to their plate is complex legislation introduced at EU level, and regulations implemented in various countries. Truckers need to be familiar with these. So the best way to help drivers to gain and maintain knowledge is to provide them with an advanced tool while they keep on trucking. Enter LogiAssist, which gives the target groups exactly what they need. 'The purpose of the system is to help drivers and trucking firms handle their occupational training needs,' says FIT's Dr Martin Wolpers, who managed the project. 'The idea is for truckers to listen to an audio lecture after work, during their breaks, or even while driving, and to receive specifically tailored assistance while they are out on the road. Training content is offered via smart phone, tablet computer or laptop - in other words, on devices the driver already uses in his cab. It is tailored to the learning needs of the sector and can be adapted to the relevant context, taking account of prior knowledge, the driver, the vehicle, the load or the route,' he adds. 'We are addressing the needs of several target groups. University students, suppliers of education materials, knowledge workers and even people who do not sit behind a desk all day can benefit from this latest tool. 'Basically, anyone who wants to learn by electronic means,' Dr Wolpers says. The team smoothed out all details regarding standards and applications that allow learners to use extensive materials on an individually configured learning platform. The researchers say the content can be set up with a kit of ready-made tools that are run with user-friendly software including popular search engines, e-mail programs and chat sites. The learning environment can be made to measure for each user. Some people may want to work with short course sub-units, while others may prefer to use documents to conduct their course work. Others may opt for video sequence of audio files. FIT will demonstrate the practical application of these unique learning environments at CeBit in Hanover, Germany from 1 to 5 March. Kicked off in 2009 and due to end in 2013, ROLE has brought together education and technology experts from Austria, Belgium, China, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.For more information, please visit: Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology (FIT):http://www.fit.fraunhofer.de/index_en.htmlROLE project:http://www.role-project.eu/FP7 ICT:http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/ict/
Countries
Germany