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35 Many opportunities exist to apply innovative training strategies to expand the training avail- able to transit workers in order to address the current workforce development challenges. These approaches offer the potential to provide engaging training that appeals to young learners, to provide an opportunity for practice, to be available via distance learning, and to be combined with classroom-based instruction. Through partnerships, there is the potential to expand the use of innovative training currently offered by some organizations within the transit industry to others. One promising example is the training produced by CUTR in collaboration with the Florida Department of Education for Transit Technicians. In this case, much of what has already been established could be readily applied by other organizations. In order to truly capitalize on this opportunity, it is important that an approach and resources for sharing on a larger scale is defined. For other applications that may not be currently available within the transit industry but that offer promise, establishing a pilot program to select, design, develop, and evaluate a new applica- tion is a way to explore and launch promising innovations. For example, there may be training situations where adaptive learning or intelligent tutoring will increase learner engagement and success. Using one of these tools may also be a way to increase training productivity by focusing training time to address individual learning gaps for a particular skill. Other areas to explore may include expanded use of games and low-cost simulations using gaming engines. In explor- ing these applications, it is critical to ensure that sound instructional approaches are employed to use the technology effectively to address training needs. It is also recommended that transit standards be used to promote application across the transit industry. C H A P T E R 5 Conclusion and Future Implications
