Royal Navy use PlayStations to train sailors
It's game on for sailors who have been given portable consoles to help them train while they are at sea.
Sony PSP handheld devices are to be given to Royal Navy recruits who are studying engineering.
The consoles - portable versions of PlayStations - are more commonly used to play games.
But they can also work like an interactive lesson, by providing presentations and diagrams on the screen.
Sailors will use them to read pre-course maths and engineering learning material.
The modules cover maths, electrical and electronic principles, electronics and an introduction to the weapons system.
The project has cost the navy 50,000, but it is hoped the project will be cost-effective in the long run.
So far, 230 PSPs have been sent out to ships and submarines in the Royal Navy as part of the first major trial, with HMS Liverpool receiving the devices last week.
Lt Commander Mark 'Beasty' Williams, is the officer in charge of the weapons engineering principles training unit at Fareham's HMS Collingwood.
He said: 'People are excited about it.
'It's the idea that they can just do it when they want to. So if they are having a bad morning and they aren't following the lesson, they can pick it up later on with the PSP.'
Commander Trevor Price, from the Naval Training Command based at Whale Island, said: 'If it means that people will continue on the course and develop an enthusiasm then it would be successful, especially if it means that they stay in the Royal Navy for longer. They might get bitten by the learning bug.
'Young people can join the service and can come out with a degree after 10 years - but at no cost to them.'
The PSPs can help students with revision and can help them prepare for the tests they will take as they progress in their career in the navy.
The sailors have the opportunity to use them in their spare time to play games, but they will have to provide their own games.
The 230 PSPs will be sent out first, and the navy will consider sending out more if the scheme proves successful.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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