2009 Rules Program Update
01/14/09 06:47
Gentleman,
The 2009 Rules program launched on Jan 5th with some new features which appear to have resulted in excessive seat-times. The training center has received feedback from throughout the system and is making the following changes:
- Remove 1.4 hours of CBT training from Triennial/Biennial Rules: This will reduce the programmed seat-time from 8 hrs to 6.6 hours. The modules to be removed are not essential for certification and contain no test questions. They include all Hazardous Communication (.5 hours removed) and all of the Cab Communication modules except EO 26 (.9 hours removed)
New Total: 6.6 hrs
Review: 4.1 hrs
Testing: 2.5 hrs
- Replacement of 4 test questions: There were 4 test questions which after further review, we felt could have been written or displayed better. These questions have been replaced, all employees will be given credit for these questions, and all employees who failed a section due to these questions will be identified.
- Comprehensive Scoring: The implementation of scenario based scoring (GCOR only) graded each block of 10 questions separately. Programming will change to allow an employee to navigate through all 55 questions before giving a comprehensive score.
- Change CBT logic to allow employees to take the rules exam prior to NETSIM. The initial release restricted employees from taking the rules exam until after the NETSIM ride. We agree that it is better if the employee can take the exams immediately following the CBT review material.
The exam questions were replaced on Jan 8th. The remaining changes identified above will be implemented by Jan 15th.
Please accept my apology for some of these early issues. We are confident that the ideas incorporated this year (field input) including scenario based learning/testing and self paced navigation will be realized as an enhancement to learning.
If you have any questions and concerns, please feel free to contact me. Below are details from the new design document that show modules, planned seat times and exam questions.
Scott Schafer
General Director, Railroad Training Services
(913) 319-3900
Cell Phone: (913) 634-1949
The 2009 Rules program launched on Jan 5th with some new features which appear to have resulted in excessive seat-times. The training center has received feedback from throughout the system and is making the following changes:
- Remove 1.4 hours of CBT training from Triennial/Biennial Rules: This will reduce the programmed seat-time from 8 hrs to 6.6 hours. The modules to be removed are not essential for certification and contain no test questions. They include all Hazardous Communication (.5 hours removed) and all of the Cab Communication modules except EO 26 (.9 hours removed)
New Total: 6.6 hrs
Review: 4.1 hrs
Testing: 2.5 hrs
- Replacement of 4 test questions: There were 4 test questions which after further review, we felt could have been written or displayed better. These questions have been replaced, all employees will be given credit for these questions, and all employees who failed a section due to these questions will be identified.
- Comprehensive Scoring: The implementation of scenario based scoring (GCOR only) graded each block of 10 questions separately. Programming will change to allow an employee to navigate through all 55 questions before giving a comprehensive score.
- Change CBT logic to allow employees to take the rules exam prior to NETSIM. The initial release restricted employees from taking the rules exam until after the NETSIM ride. We agree that it is better if the employee can take the exams immediately following the CBT review material.
The exam questions were replaced on Jan 8th. The remaining changes identified above will be implemented by Jan 15th.
Please accept my apology for some of these early issues. We are confident that the ideas incorporated this year (field input) including scenario based learning/testing and self paced navigation will be realized as an enhancement to learning.
If you have any questions and concerns, please feel free to contact me. Below are details from the new design document that show modules, planned seat times and exam questions.
Scott Schafer
General Director, Railroad Training Services
(913) 319-3900
Cell Phone: (913) 634-1949
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