THE NWS TRAINING PROGRAM: NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND A NEW PLAN
LeRoy Spayd - NWS Office of Meteorology
The National Weather Service's (NWS') Training and Education program has evolved greatly over the past decade. This evolution has been facilitated by both the rapid advances in science and observing technologies, and by the new training technologies now available to accomplish distance learning. Examples of these new training technologies include the Internet's World Wide Web (WWW) and teletraining. For example, the NWS is currently using a teletraining system that utilizes regular phone lines and pre-stored graphics to deliver live lessons at all NWS field sites. In addition, due to rapidly evolving capabilities of the WWW, interactive lessons are now becoming available on-line. However, present communications restrictions are limiting the accessibility of WWW lessons at many field sites.
There are many benefits to proceeding with utilization of advanced distance learning techniques. First, distance learning provides the means for staff to accomplish training on-station, which reduces time out of the office and strain on remaining staff. Second, after some initial infrastructure costs, overall training costs are reduced compared with classroom training due to the elimination of hotel and travel charges. Finally, distance learning opens the door for all staff at field offices to participate in available training activities. This is especially true if instructors plan to present lessons on specific topics multiple times to ensure all staff have the opportunity to participate. In contrast, classroom training for many topics must be limited to specialized staff due to cost and logistical considerations..
In association with these rapid changes, the NWS Office of Meteorology, working with its three Training Facilities the Regional Headquarters offices and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction, has developed a National Strategic Education and Training Plan (NSTEP). The NSTEP outlines the process by which field training requirements are defined and prioritized. It also outlines a process for the generation of yearly Implementation Plans to ensure that quickly evolving training requirements are met. The goal of NSTEP is to ensure that the three Training Facilities (NWS Training Center, Operational Support Facility/Operations Training Branch and the Cooperative Program for Operational Meteorology, Education and Training) are provided with clearly defined requirements so that they can maximize their efficiency and effectiveness.
Technology continues to move ahead, and the NWS plans to take full advantage. Within the next 3-4 years, and in association with the implementation of AWIPS communications, video teletraining will become a reality. Likely enhancements to the Internet will also greatly increase accessibility to the WWW and increase its capabilities. These advances notwithstanding, the NWS recognizes that a successful Training Program depends upon using all available means to accomplish the wide spectrum of training requirements topics. Thus, training on some specialized scientific topics (and on a larger variety of technical topics) will still be available via classroom instruction