Modern Marvels: Firefighter Training and Technology

As fire instructors, we must embrace technology. Although there are hundreds of types of technology to consider, this article looks at what I call the “Fire Instructor’s Top Modern Marvels.” I recommend that instructors have access to each of these technologies for use in their training programs. Remember, training with technology is not “death by PowerPoint®”; fire service training programs have essentially killed PowerPoint®. Although PowerPoint® has a time and a place in fire service training, the days of students in a training class viewing and hearing instructors read off of 200 slides in 60 minutes are hopefully behind us.

Your Options

The goal of our technology-based training should be “less instructor, more instruction!” Although you can go overboard with the following items, you don’t have to. You may already use some of these ideas; if you don’t, many are free or inexpensive.

• Simulation-based training. Today, you can upload several low-cost simulation applications onto computer tablets or smartphones. You can use the camera on your device to take a photo of a target hazard in your district, add smoke and fire, and then discuss it with the class. From the initial scene size-up to changing fire conditions, you can produce all of this on your device easily and project it onto your firehouse screen. Some of the newer apps allow cross-platform sharing from iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac. Simulation-based training allows firefighters and company officers to develop their Recognition Primed Decision Making Skills.
• “Cloud” storage. The days of “dead” hard drives and lost training materials should be over; cloud storage is the instructor’s solution to this problem. Windows and Mac have their own cloud storage options, as do Box, DropBox, and Sugar Sync, just to name a few. Cloud storage always backs up your training documents on the cloud, meaning that even if a computer crashes or a hard drive dies, information is easy to recover. Additionally, you can open your documents from the cloud on any computer through a Web browser. Most of these products also offer a certain amount of “free” storage, but even the paid plans are inexpensive. If you don’t take anything else away from this article, cloud storage is a must for every fire instructor. Make sure to check with your department’s information technology (IT) manager to see if the IT department has any concerns with cloud storage before purchasing a product.
• Learning management system (LMS). When most people think “Learning Management System,” they immediately think of the high cost. This couldn’t be further from the truth. There are several free LMSs available through a simple Google search. Moodle and Edmodo are two such free LMSs. Other LMS options are provided by every fire service textbook publisher. Today, most of the books come with a one-year subscription to the LMS. The instructor can then manage his classes from the LMS; communicate with all students; and post assignments, supplemental materials, and tests. Check with your department’s IT manager to make sure your LMS is within its rules.
• Social media “channel.” In today’s social media world, instructors must be “connected” to social media. There are many great Twitter and Facebook pages dedicated to firefighter training that post training tips, ideas, and drills each day. Additionally, social media allows the instructor to be connected to the millennial student. For example, sharing recruit class photos through social media allows “approved” photos to be posted, while recruits’ families are able to stay in touch with what their loved ones are doing. YouTube is another great social media channel to assist in the “flipped classroom” approach to training. Many great firefighter training videos posted on YouTube can assist with new training ideas and firefighter skill development. Always verify department social media policies before starting any “channel,” and always post with common sense!
• Training division Web site or Web page. In today’s Web-connected society, it makes sense to make training and documents available to your members through a Web page or Web site. Many departments have a “training page” off their main Web site, while others have a Web site dedicated to firefighter training. Either way, your department needs to decide what information will be public and what information will be “password protected” because of its sensitive nature. It’s sad to say, but there are people out there who could use what we post against us, especially when it comes to terrorist attacks. Make sure to check department policies and with your IT manager before creating any Web pages to make sure they are within your department’s rules.
• Video conferencing. When it comes to video conferencing, you may say, “We can’t afford this!” Wrong! Today, almost every tablet, computer, and cellular phone has built-in video conferencing capability. For example, a tablet connected to a projector can allow for two-way video conferencing. In addition, Web sites such as www.FreeConferenceCall.com allow for free webinars and Web conferences. Anyone can do video conferencing, and everyone can afford it. Add video conferencing to your training program today.
• Wireless screen projection. Google Chromecast, Google Fire TV, or Apple TV is a must in today’s modern classroom. These devices allow for wireless projection from computers or tablets directly to a TV or projector and allow the instructor to move freely around the classroom. Additionally, several apps allow you to turn your tablet into an electronic whiteboard, where you can draw, mark up, and then project. You, too, can be the next John Madden at your next training! A projector may also feature built-in wireless projection and apps that allow it to work directly from your tablet.
• Evaluation tools. All training needs to include evaluation, which is necessary to measure student retention. There are several quality free or inexpensive evaluation tools including SurveyMonkey and Google Forums. Both of these manage testing differently, but both allow for complete customization. Another option is Google Docs, which builds quizzes and evaluation tools. No training program is complete until the delivery and retention are evaluated.
• Instant response system. Jeopardy and firefighter training? Sure! Instant response systems such as iVoting or Poll Everywhere allow for instant student feedback. They are also a great way to allow the student to use his cell phone in class yet remain engaged. These systems can even integrate into PowerPoint® and produce feedback right on the screen. Instant response systems are a great way to evaluate flipped classrooms.
• Video production. Video production sounds expensive but can probably be done for free. All cell phones and tablets feature a built-in video camera, and most offer high-quality video. You can edit most of these videos on the tablet and the phone and post them to YouTube or Vimeo for direct viewing. If you have a new hose load or training equipment, you can video the proper use and deployment and then edit and post the video to wherever it needs to be seen. You, too, can make high-quality training videos without any professional video or editing skills.

Technology doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated, but you must embrace it in this day and age. Start experimenting with some of these modern marvels, and take your instruction and training program to the next level.

BRIAN P. KAZMIERZAK, EFO, CTO, is a 25-year fire service veteran and the chief of training for the Penn Township Fire Department in Mishawaka, Indiana. He has a bachelor’s degree in fire service administration from Southern Illinois University and is the director of operations for www.ModernFireBehavior.com. Kazmierzak received the 2006 F.O.O.L.S. International Dana Hannon Instructor of the Year Award, the 2008 Indiana Fire Chiefs Training Officer of the Year Award, and the 2011 Fire Engineering/IFSFI George D. Post Instructor of the Year Award. In 2006, he completed the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program.