Advanced Warning Operations Course

1
Advanced Warning Operations Course

• Course Overview
• Warning Decision Training Branch

2
Welcome to AWOC

• Operational Requirement
• Course Goals
• Structure

3
Warning OperationsTracked by Congress

• Tornado Warning - Lead Time
• Tornado Warning - Accuracy
• Tornado Warning False Alarm Ratio
• Flash Flood Warning Lead Time
• Flash Flood Warning Accuracy
• Winter Storm Warning Lead Time
• Winter Storm Warning Accuracy
• Hurricane Track Forecasts (48 Hrs)
• Aviation Forecast Accuracy
• Aviation Forecasts False Alarm Ratio
• U.S. Seasonal Temperature Skill
• Precipitation Forecast Day 3 Accuracy
• Marine Wind Speed Accuracy
• Marine Wave Height - Accuracy

7 of 14 NWS GPRA Goals Address Warning Operations
4
AWOC Builds Upon the WDM Workshops
Warning Decision Making Workshops

• Evoke a better understanding of the elements of
  the warning process
• Science
• Technology
• Human Factors

Which leads to better decision making,
Which leads to better service.
5
AWOC Available to Every Forecaster

• Mostly self-paced training
• Web-based modules
• Recorded sessions
• Explorer Applications (VCP and HDA)
• Student Guides
• Some instructor-led training
• VISITview teletraining
• WES Scenarios

6
AWOC Facilitated On-Station

• Monitor student progress
• Tailor to needs of student provide expertise
• Mentor students
• Answer questions or forward to WDTB
• Provide technical assistance
• Manage office resources for AWOC
• WES simulations
• Teletraining sessions

7
AWOC Uses the Learning Management System (LMS)
8
LMS Learning Plans assigned by AWOC Facilitator
9
AWOC Structured into Tracks

• Core Track
• WDM Theory and Principles
• Situational Awareness
• Severe Weather Track
• Storm Interrogation
• Warning Methodologies

10
AWOC Tracks On the Horizon

• Winter Weather Track
• Begins April 2006
• Tropical Cyclone Track
• Begins February 2007

11
Core Track About 11 Hours
12
Severe Track About 13 Hours
13
Simulations Tie It Together

• WES used to
• Illustrate key issues
• Evaluate learning
• One-on-one scripted evaluation
• Feedback during simulation
• Two complete WES simulations
• Meet minimum WES requirements
• Interactive simulation guides

14
AWOC Exams in the LMS

• Instructional Component Post-Test
• 70 passing score on each test
• Special Test-out option
• Recognition that student knowledge varies
  considerably
• 90 passing score
• Only one chance to test-out

15
Certificate Awarded Upon Completion of an AWOC
Track
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Make an AWOC Plan
J F M A M J J
A S
Core Track Teletraining
Severe Track Teletraining
AWOC Ends

• Suggestions (1-2 hours per week)
• Finish Core Track in March.
• Start Severe Track in March-April.
• Finish all but scenarios by mid-May.
• Complete Scenarios by mid-June.

17
WDTB Support for AWOC
http//wdtb.noaa.gov/courses/awoc/index.html

• AWOC Home Page
• AWOC Help Central
• AWOCHelp_at_wdtb.noaa.gov
• iccore1_at_wdtb.noaa.gov
• iccore2_at_wdtb.noaa.gov
• Etc.

18
AWOC Principles

• Warning program is a core NWS mission
• AWOC directly addresses the science and human
  factors associated with this mission
• Blended delivery leverages the strengthsof
  distance learning with on-site facilitation