This is a valuable scientific initiative with high practical application, meeting the goals and requirements of education and training, especially for trainees in the Naval Information Command and Staff program.

Difficulties breed innovation.

In the context of a lack of actual training equipment, the use of visual models and simulation software in training helps students access and firmly grasp practical knowledge, which is a correct and effective approach. Especially in the current period, the Signal Corps Officer School is actively promoting digital transformation in education and training and strongly applying information technology to innovate teaching methods and meet output standards. Therefore, researching and applying training software for operating VSAT stations on military ships will contribute to resolving the difficulties caused by the lack of training equipment, improving the quality of education and training at the School, and fulfilling the motto "The quality of training at the school is the combat readiness of the unit."

Colonel, Dr. Do Van Phuong, Head of the Transmission Department, Faculty of Telecommunications, introduced the software for training trainees on operating VSAT stations on military ships.

In a discussion with Colonel, Dr. Do Van Phuong, the project leader, we learned that the ship-based VSAT station is a device deployed and operated to ensure communication for units in the Navy, the Coast Guard Command, and several units performing duties at sea. Training troops to thoroughly understand the characteristics, technical features, and proficiently operate the VSAT station on military ships to ensure communication in all situations is extremely important. This is also a component of the course "Transmission Equipment, Microwave, and Satellite" in the training program for Information Command and Staff Officers, especially for training Information Command and Staff Officers at the platoon level specializing in Naval Communications.

Currently, the number of VSAT stations on board military vessels used for training at the Signal Officer School is insufficient to meet training needs, while the number of trainees is high and the time spent training on real equipment is limited. Based on this, the authors chose to develop the initiative "Software for simulating training in operating VSAT stations on military vessels" as an optimal solution for training, contributing positively to the innovation of teaching methods and the implementation of digital transformation, building a smart school, and meeting the requirements of the new situation.

Image of the software interface for training the operation of VSAT stations on military ships.

The scientific basis of the initiative "Software for simulating training in operating VSAT stations on military ships" is: Researching the characteristics, technical features; structure and function of VSAT stations on military ships; the process of deploying, installing, and operating VSAT stations on ships to ensure communication and other services, meeting mission requirements, as well as using data and image processing tools and the Visual Studio C# programming language to implement the idea.

High applicability and wide range of applications.

According to the author, with a structure consisting of 6 modules: Module 1: Characteristics and technical features; Module 2: Structure and operating principles; Module 3: Operation and use; Module 4: Maintenance and troubleshooting of some station problems; Module 5: Inspection and evaluation; Module 6: References, it will be very convenient for learners to self-study the content with just one click on the corresponding function tab in the software interface...

The software can be installed on computers in specialized lecture halls and units to serve practical training as well as self-study for students. This is also an activity applying information technology to teaching and supporting the process of innovating teaching methods by lecturers, contributing to improving the quality of practical training in telecommunications equipment, meeting the learning outcomes of courses and subjects, and implementing digital transformation in education and training, building smart schools today.

Colonel, Dr. Do Van Phuong instructs trainees on how to use the VSAT station operation training software on military ships.

In particular, the main interface displays a 3D image of the VSAT station on a military ship, allowing users to observe the station as it is installed on a ship. This enhances the visual aspect, helping learners observe and learn the deployment and installation steps of the station's components through 3D images and videos, as well as practice configuring parameters for the station's components as if on a real device. This helps learners overcome any initial difficulties when approaching a ship-based VSAT station in practice. This also trains their thinking skills, reflexes, and practical equipment operation skills, improving the quality of education and training.

Colonel, Dr. Tran Dinh Tan, Head of the Telecommunications Department, Information Officer School, stated: “The initiative has successfully completed the set objectives and tasks; the product is scientifically sound, ensuring high professional and pedagogical standards, meeting the training goals and requirements of the trainees, especially those training to become Command and Staff Officers specializing in Naval Information; the initiative closely adheres to the learning outcomes of the course and the requirements for innovation in teaching methods, contributing to improving the quality of training at the department and the school. The product can be installed and used simply and conveniently for training at the Information Officer School and information units throughout the army.”

Text and photos: MAI DONG - TUAN ANH