My current topic I am pursuing is the feasibility of online assessment in high stress learning environments: An air traffic control perspective. This topic is unique to my vocation, the Chief Terminal Air Traffic Controller at 19 Wing Comox, and difficult to pursue with the lack of current literature on air traffic control training. Within these research entry log-posts, my goal is to give a snapshot into my critical inquiry sojourn into this topic whilst supplying insights from particular references I am using. It is my hope through these log entries I also get help from you, the reader, to add comments to further aid me in my critical inquiry sojourn.
One of the constructive criticisms I received in Part 1 of the assignment was my overall explanation of critical inquiry. Although, I am confident in my understanding of critical inquiry, my own military ‘way of thinking’ was getting in the way. In this case, my striving to always demonstrate effective outcomes – thus, missing the importance of the process. In my Part 1 paper, I referred to my critical inquiry as a reasonable way to ‘demonstrate’ potential effectiveness, when in actuality, critical inquiry seeks to ‘interrogate’ potential effectiveness. At first glance, the diction of these particular word choices seems inconsequential; however, ‘demonstration’ often will define an outcome whereas ‘interrogation’ often will define a process. The process may in-turn lead to an outcome, but the process, hence interrogation, lends itself to the term critical inquiry more appropriately than demonstration.
It is through this interrogative lens which I must pursue my topic – with the hope to demonstrate or perhaps suggest even, an outcome to my paper’s problem being addressed. One unique reference I am currently reading is “Ghosts of the Machine,” by Owen (2017). Owen (2017) elaborates that “the title ‘Ghosts in the machine’ is used here to draw attention to how organisations comprise people who in turn shape – and are shaped by – their ways of organizing” (p. 2). As I seek to find the feasibility of online assessments within air traffic control learning environments, I must bear in mind the ‘ghosts of the machine.’ Individuals and organizations are complex and interconnected in many ways. Perhaps part of my sojourn needs to address the underlying presuppositions and/or culture within the air traffic control community in order to better understand the feasibility of online assessments?
Reference
Owen, C. (2017). Ghosts in the machine: Rethinking learning, work and culture in air traffic control. (2017). New York, NY: CRC Press. Retrieved from: https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.royalroads.ca/lib/royalroads-ebooks/reader.action?docID=4938445
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