The state of being simple, uncomplicated or uncompounded; restraint in ornamentation
Simplicity is a wonderful thing at a time where seemingly everything is getting more and more complex. As the definition suggests, simple isn’t complicated, unnecessary or overdone. There are no distractions, bells or whistles.
But how does this apply to aviation security training? Is simplicity still a good thing?
Let’s take a look.
Before we dig too deeply into how simplicity benefits aviation security training, take a quick look at your own life. What do you have around you that is designed simply? What do you have around you that is complex to use? What do you enjoy using more? Odds are, you have fewer issues when you use whatever it is that is simple.
So now, let’s look at aviation security training in particular. Online training modules have grown increasingly complex in the last few years. Java animations, videos, or a clickable interactive module that aren’t all that different from a Where in the World is Carmen San Diego? computer game of old. These are decidedly not simple, as they lack the ‘restraint in ornamentation.’ The bells and whistles are out in full force with many of these training modules. But the real question is this any better?
First, we feel that it is important to look at the training requirements. 
Are they complex? It makes sense to use complex training methods with complex items, where many angles need to be analyzed, but that really isn’t the case. Do your employees need to watch a 15-minute video of someone boarding a chartered airplane with a weapon to know it is against the law? Do your employees need a video game-esque seek and find adventure to see where they should search on a plane? Are there better ways your employees could be spending their time than watching a video?
This is just one reason that simplicity may rule in this instance. We don’t think these bells and whistles add anything to quality of the training. They are bells and whistles that have a fun novelty effect but that doesn’t increase your security or the quality of the training.
Having videos also adds another issue. Unless the video is a silent movie, there will be audio and, since the majority of those who are taking training are listening to material being covered that is sensitive, they would need to wear headphones to keep this information confidential. Compounding this issue is that a major benefit of online training is its transportability. You should be able to take these trainings at any time, anywhere, without issue. However, some java script, some flash videos or some clickable training options may not work on mobile devices. Now, those bells and whistles are barriers to completion. Not only might watching the video cause problems, but also the sound needs to be kept private
Ideally, you would like to have a text-based, audio-free training. This will allow the training to truly be taken anywhere, at anytime, with anybody around, just so long as the screen can be hidden from others view (which, to be honest, is something we tend to prefer to do anyway).
Simplicity is not only important for the learner. The administrator of the training also would prefer a simple interface. You have enough to worry about and likely would prefer to know the basics- who needs to take training, who has been assigned training, have they completed it and when do they need to do their recurrent training? Those are four basic questions are key. Furthermore, the administrator likely wants something that is easy to show an auditor in the event of an audit or an inspection to show that all required training has been completed. The administrator would like to see all the training records quickly, easily and efficiently. If you can find a system that can practically run itself, then that is a great way to go.
Bells and whistles are great at times. If you are going to 
the golf course, most of us love when there is GPS in the carts. If you are going to a sporting event, having all the amenities is awesome. If you are going to a theatrical performance or concert, having a state of the art facility will only make things all the more amazing. However, there are some things that shouldn’t be encumbered by things. Simplicity can make things quicker, easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable.
NATA Compliance Services offers training programs that meet all the TSA requirements while remaining simple. They are highly transportable and have some of the best administrator features while remaining a cost effective solution. These efficient training programs help your company meet regulatory requirements without wasting your employee’s valuable time. Click here to learn more about our aviation security training programs.
