Evaluation of Augmented Reality Interactive Print for General Aviation Weather Training

Abstract

Current aviation weather training for novice pilots provides limited opportunities to practice correlating information in weather-related situations to develop cognitive skills. Current training materials are largely print based: restricted to text and two-dimensional images. However, interactive print training materials can include interactive augmented reality (AR) weather activities overlaid on text and images. This study compared learner-centered interactive print to print-only training. The participants completed both knowledge-based and scenario-based learning activities. The interactive print training activities significantly improved motivation to learn and engagement with the activities. There was no difference between the two groups when rating the perceived effectiveness. Both training groups improved factual knowledge; however, there was no difference between the two training groups. The participants in the interactive print training group performed significantly better in the knowledge-based activities but worse in the scenario-based activities as compared to the print training group. In the AR visual environment, participants may have relied on visual cues rather than the knowledge learned in the text. The evaluation suggests that AR-enhanced training can improve factual knowledge, positively impact motivation and engagement, and provide learning opportunities in a safe environment.