An investigation of the feasibility of interactive videodisc as a training mode for VDOT

This report addressed the potential application of interactive videodisc (IVD) technology in the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). The research revealed that IVD is a growing force as a training vehicle in several industries and institutions and pointed to multiple training possibilities for VDOT. Responses to an IVD user survey sent to 58 state and federal transportation agencies showed that IVD is also garnering the interest and support of several agencies. However, IVD requires a large, up-front monetary investment, and initial costs need to be well substantiated before investment. By coupling an examination of IVD hardware components and their costs with several criteria that justify in implementation of IVD, this report gives guidelines along with recommendations for further consideration of the adoption of IVD for VDOT training. In addition, this report provides an evaluation of two FHWA-developed IVD training programs (Pavement Structure Repair Techniques and Work Zone Traffic Control), and it is recommended that VDOT conduct a pilot study of the former program.