Abstract:

This paper is to introduce the remote ATC simulation tutoring assistant tool, E-tutoring tool for short, which aims to solve the problem of lack of instructors for managing ATC simulation training and adhering to restrictions such as COVID-19 social distancing requirements. The ratio of students to the instructor in the ATC simulation room is currently 6 to 1. One instructor must observe 4 students who are simultaneously doing an ATC simulation exercise. The maximum capacity of this course is 30 students per semester. By using the E-tutoring tool, we aim to mirror the students’ real-time practice scenario to a remote computer screen that can be observed by a remote ATC instructor. At the same time, the ATC instructor can communicate with the students to help them improve their practical skills. There are several benefits to applying the E-tutoring tool. Firstly, the remote instructor is not required to be present on campus, which results in huge benefits for instructors who live far from the campus and where the tutoring time needs to be very flexible, or in situations where COVID social distancing rules apply and it is not feasible to allow instructors to be in a limited space with students. In addition, the availability of increased numbers of remote instructors means that the number of student enrolments can be increased. Secondly, the teaching of ATC skills requires a lot of engagement with ATC instructors. With the E-tutoring tool, each student will receive more personalized attention and they will consequently be motivated to learn and perform better, have a better learning experience. Thirdly, such innovation in blended and online education aligns with the future of education and will result in high-quality teaching, cost-effectiveness and improved efficiency. Last but not least, some experimental results will be presented to show the output of the application of E-tutoring tool. In conclusion, the development of the E-tutoring tool will have a very positive impact on the current air space management course and offer more enrolment opportunities for students without compromising the quality of this course.

Keywords:

Innovation, technology, higher education, remote tutoring.