The usability of immersive technology: a teaching proposal for the technical and technological training of the Fire Department of Paraná State, Brazil

Abstract

The usability of Immersive Technologies, represented in this work by Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR), has become essential in several activities, gaining greater prominence after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Since then, the use of these technologies for training has increased considerably and has become fundamental in the teaching-learning process. In specific scenarios, such as disaster management, for example, these technologies allow the simulation, study and early application of risk events and emergencies, enhancing the quality of saving lives in real situations. This study investigated the usability of the FLAIM Trainer Virtual Reality (VR) tool as an Immersive Technology for additional training of the Military Fire Department of the State of Paraná. Initially, a systematic review of the literature was carried out, using software and methodologies for organizing, classifying, and filtering bibliographic material, followed by data collection, analysis, and action research. The results of this research demonstrated that Immersive Technology is essential for a continuous, efficient and effective training of firefighters, allowing the simulation of environments and practical occurrences, providing realistic experiences, such as fires and risk situations, assisting in training for future actions, enhancing preparation for face risk situations more effectively, thus, contributing to develop a proposal for a teaching approach for technological technical training of the Military Fire Department. This research may be relevant to the following areas: production engineering, education, artificial intelligence, simulations and training, and cognitive psychology.