July_2021 - 21

" The digital coach helps
nudge you in the right
direction when you're
making mistakes. "
Bharani Rajakumar,
CEO and founder, TRANSFR
" We are focused on our mission of helping
to create that classroom to career pathway, "
said Bharani Rajakumar, CEO and founder of
TRANSFR.
The goal of the Diesel by Distance program has
been to enable more engaging distance learning.
Historically, the challenge with manufacturing
and the skilled trades has been the need for
hands-on training and distance learning has
traditionally been thought of as online video,
Rajakumar noted.
" We worked to understand what are all the
» A look at how AR-enabled goggles create interactive menus for technicians.
Photo courtesy of Design Interactive
things that someone would need to learn in
order to become part of a diesel technology career
pathway. We included things like replacing shock
absorbers, putting together and taking apart
engines, and things of that nature, " he added.
TRANSFR designed and created virtual training
simulations within a virtual training facility,
allowing users to don a headset no matter their
location and learn the hands-on skills aligned
with the program.
Rajakumar explained that the intent is to fuse
» Technicians can use AR to inspect equipment before ordering it.
Photo courtesy of Design Interactive
Braswell explained that the game does more
than just introduce the concepts and applications
of vehicle repair management. It also presents
resources to get students engaged in the industry.
" When you download the game, you can click
and self-direct yourself [to resources providing
information] about becoming a technician, find
out about scholarships, " he said. " We are directing
folks to the TechForce Foundation, which is
our partner in this outreach effort, because they
are very well suited toward social media that is
attractive to students to get them interested in
[the industry]. "
Braswell added that information is available
for students to learn how to talk to their parents,
guidance counselors, and teachers about how this
is a career they would like to pursue.
" The industry is exploring all kinds of fantastic
technology from electrified vehicles to autonomous
vehicles. This is just another bit of technology
that can be used, " Johnston said. " I don't know
if those kids see this industry or the image of the
industry as such that it reflects 'high technology'
in comparison to the gaming industry or other
places they might consider as they move forward.
But it absolutely is just rife with next-generation
technologies. They need to be aware of what
the truth is-not just what the perceived or the
assumed identity of the industry is. "
Engaged education
Alternate reality technologies can enhance the
education process for those training to become
diesel technicians. Educators are leveraging such
technologies to further engage students with their
respective curriculum. One such program is Diesel
by Distance, based at Wallace State Community
College in Alabama. The program integrated a VR
service from TRANSFR in April.
education and industry learning into one experience.
He said many technicians coming out of
traditional degree and certification programs
are showing up to the job site unable to do what
the employer would like them to do on day one.
TRANSFR creates and designs virtual reality
training simulations with input from employers
so when a student puts on the headset, they learn
how to do the job before they get the job. That helps
the employer make sure that someone is prepared
for the job as soon as possible. It also helps the
trainee get insight into what it is that they will
actually be doing.
TRANSFR's virtual reality experience also offers
a digital coach within the program.
" It's perfectly fine to make mistakes, " Rajakumar
said. " We assume that everyone we are working
with is a beginner, and in some way that is why
they are using the service, so that they can acquire
the skills to move up in their career path. The digital
coach helps nudge you in the right direction
when you're making mistakes and not performing
based on what an employer would expect. "
Having the ability to simulate that shop experience
and bring it to the student can help expedite
the onboarding process and provide firsthand
real-world experience that caters to students
who, generally speaking, are hands-on learners.
Presenting this level of immersion can help drive
home that learning experience and clarify expectations
as to what the career will truly require.
" There are three different types of learners:
visual, auditory, and kinesthetic, " said Beth Rutter,
July 2021 | FleetMaintenance.com
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July_2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of July_2021
