Tools, Platforms, and Methodologies for Engagements in Hybrid Environments in the Future of Nuclear Security

In the first few months of 2020, the world of training and collaboration was thrust into chaos as international and domestic travel ceased. COVID-19 brought about abrupt changes in the delivery of training, workshops, consultancy meetings, and other forms of engaging with partner States. Organizations across the world rose to the challenge. Instructional technology provided the tools by which nuclear organizations have learned to thrive. Instructional designers and technologists within these organizations have developed solutions for delivering training, facilitating consultancy meetings, and creating immersive learning opportunities using distance learning and virtual platforms. When the world is once again engaging face-to-face with partners, organizations should continue to value the lessons learned and the skills gained from implementing these technologies using these tools to their greatest extent to benefit from a hybrid environment. This hybrid environment would consist of both virtual and face-to-face environments to fulfill the objectives of an engagement. The nuclear world has familiarized itself with and implemented the tools required of most engagements in the virtual realm, but there exist engagements that are better suited for face-to-face interaction. Engagements such as tabletop exercises, inspections, practical training, and technical exchanges are more effective in face-to-face environments. However, dismissing all virtual engagements would be a disservice of financial and social considerations. The use of LED and green screens, virtual delivery platforms, augmented reality, and other instructional tools in combination or as stand-alone applications in hybrid environments improves the outcomes of the engagements, reduces cost, and addresses the needs of all partners.