Test Preparation Material  Future Developments  Chapter Summary  As indicated by this discussion, the teaching process organizes the material an instructor wishes to teach in such a way that the learner  understands what is being taught. An effective instructor uses a combination of teaching methods as well as instructional aids to  achieve this goal.  By being well prepared, an effective instructor presents and applies lesson material, and also periodically assesses learning. An  effective instructor never stops learning. He or she maintains currency in the subject matter being taught, as well as how to teach it by  reading professional journals and other aviation publications, many of which can be viewed or purchased via the Internet, another  source of valuable aviation information for professional instructors.  While evaluating new teaching methods and technology, instructors should remember their main teaching goals. Electronic  information on computer networks and bulletin boards may come from reputable publishers, as well as community, state, and national  government agencies. There is, however, no guarantee that all of this information is current or even accurate.  For those engaged in aviation training, the challenge is staying abreast of technological changes that apply to training and adopting  those that are the most useful and cost effective. Since much of the new technology is based on computer technology, instructors with  well-developed computer skills are in demand.  Another type of computer-based technology, virtual reality (VR), creates a sensory experience that allows a participant to believe and  barely distinguish a virtual experience from a real one. VR uses graphics with animation systems, sounds, and images to reproduce  electronic versions of real-life experience. Despite enormous potential, VR is expensive.  Trends in training indicate a shift from the typical classroom to more extensive use of a lab-type environment with computer work or  study stations. Using simulation devices, computer networks, and multimedia programs, learners become more actively involved and  responsible for their own training. Aviation-related learning centers are usually associated with colleges, universities, and research  centers. The airlines, as well as aeronautical programs at some colleges and universities, have used similar facilities for many years.  Miniature electro-optical devices allow computer-aided information to be projected electronically on sunglass-style eye wear which is  connected to a lightweight, belt mounted computer. Computer-aided information is particularly useful for aviation maintenance  activities. For example, it would be possible for a technician’s eyes to easily move back and forth from computer-generated technical  data to the actual hardware while diagnosing and correcting a maintenance problem.  Computer technology continues to advance in quantum leaps, challenging traditional ways of teaching. For example, voice- recognition technology, which lets computers accept spoken rather than keyed input, is highly effective for technical training.  Electronic communications, including use of computer databases, voice mail, e-mail, Internet, World Wide Web, and satellite-based,  wireless communications, are routine and this explosion of information access affects aviation training. It will be even more  significant in the future.  Test preparation materials, as well as instructors, that dwell on teaching the test are shortchanging learner applicants. All instructors  who use test preparation publications should stress that these materials are not designed as stand-alone learning tools. They should be  considered as a supplement to instructor-led training.  Test preparation material applies to an array of paper, video, and computer software products that are designed by commercial  publishers to help learner applicants prepare for FAA tests. While test preparation materials may be effective in preparing for FAA  tests, the danger is that learners may be able to pass a given test, but fail to learn other critical information essential to safe piloting  and maintenance practices. FAA inspectors and designated examiners report that learner applicants sometimes exhibit a lack of  knowledge during oral questioning, even though many have easily passed the FAA knowledge test. A major shortcoming of test  preparation materials is that the emphasis is on rote learning, which is the lowest of all levels of learning.  5-28 