Application of Cognitive Principles in Distributed Computer-based Training

Application of Cognitive Principles in Distributed Computer-based Training
Author: Richard C. Deatz
Publisher:
Total Pages: 38
Release: 2001
Genre: Computer simulation
ISBN:

"As the U.S. Army continues to develop more powerful and complex digital information systems, it is essential that both training needs and training opportunities are addressed to meet mission objectives. One way to address the training challenges of emerging digital systems is through the use of computer-based instruction (CBI), particularly because of the flexibility it offers in the way training can be delivered (e.g., embedded, distance learning, Internet). Another way is to improve learning by applying principles of cognitive psychology to the training design. This paper describes a research and development effort that incorporated a limited set of cognitive learning principles and techniques in the design of CBI for individual digital operator skills. To demonstrate the design features, four prototype training modules were developed for the Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2), the Army's vehicle-mounted digital system for distributing information to provide situational awareness. This paper describes how the selected instructional techniques and cognitive principles were used in distributed computer-based training. Pictures of screen layouts illustrate how the principles and techniques were instantiated in operator training for a digital system. Finally, this report provides a discussion of the lessons learned and issues for future research and development."--DTIC.

Application of Cognitive Principles in Distributed Computer-based Training

Application of Cognitive Principles in Distributed Computer-based Training
Author: Richard C. Deatz
Publisher:
Total Pages: 38
Release: 2001
Genre: Computer simulation
ISBN:

"As the U.S. Army continues to develop more powerful and complex digital information systems, it is essential that both training needs and training opportunities are addressed to meet mission objectives. One way to address the training challenges of emerging digital systems is through the use of computer-based instruction (CBI), particularly because of the flexibility it offers in the way training can be delivered (e.g., embedded, distance learning, Internet). Another way is to improve learning by applying principles of cognitive psychology to the training design. This paper describes a research and development effort that incorporated a limited set of cognitive learning principles and techniques in the design of CBI for individual digital operator skills. To demonstrate the design features, four prototype training modules were developed for the Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2), the Army's vehicle-mounted digital system for distributing information to provide situational awareness. This paper describes how the selected instructional techniques and cognitive principles were used in distributed computer-based training. Pictures of screen layouts illustrate how the principles and techniques were instantiated in operator training for a digital system. Finally, this report provides a discussion of the lessons learned and issues for future research and development."--DTIC.

Working Memory and Exploration in Training the Knowledge and Skills Required by Digital Systems

Working Memory and Exploration in Training the Knowledge and Skills Required by Digital Systems
Author: Jean L. Dyer
Publisher:
Total Pages: 138
Release: 2001
Genre: Short-term memory
ISBN:

"Variations in computer-based training (CBT) procedures were compared in training the skills and knowledge required of a prototype map interface for the Land Warrior system. Soldiers from four Infantry courses participated, representing the chain of command within an Infantry platoon, from platoon leader to rifleman. Soldiers were first trained on codes that uniquely identified individuals and units on the map. Then soldiers learned how to use map functions such as pan, zoom, determine range, and find individuals and units. Lessons that contained a large volume of information before soldiers could apply that information and commit it to memory resulted in low scores on both the code and map exercises. Breaking: up the content into smaller chunks of information tended to be more effective. Although soldiers who learned the map on their own via an exploratory condition had the lowest map performance, exploratory learning may have potential as these soldiers spent relatively little time 'exploring'. The results demonstrate the importance of adapting to individual differences in the learning rate of soldiers. They also provide insights regarding how to design effective and efficient CBT for digital systems."--DTIC.

Web-based Collaborative Learning

Web-based Collaborative Learning
Author: James Belanich
Publisher:
Total Pages: 38
Release: 2003
Genre: Distance education
ISBN:

Students linked into a learning environment over the Internet may learn topics better by collaborating to create questions and answers. In research reported here, students used a learning aid for collaborative question generation called Army TEAMThink, a commercial program modified for Army use under a TRADOC Delivery Order contract Research was done at three US Army schools to assess the quality or doctrinal correctness of questions and answers generated by students and to measure any learning benefit. Students first completed a tutorial on how to write effective multiple-choice questions. Next, students wrote questions and reviewed questions written by other students. Based on the feedback from the reviews, authors were allowed to modify their own questions. Finally, students took a test of the questions that had been developed by students using the learning aid. Army subject matter experts judged that most of the questions developed were considered acceptable and could be repurposed for use in course exams. A majority of the question feedback was constructive, indicating that the collaborative process was helpful. Students who went through the process scored higher on a test of novel questions than those who did not use Army TEAMThink. They also scored higher than students who went through the process on a different topic from the test topic, demonstrating a moderate learning effect. The general finding of this research about a collaborative question-generation approach is that instructors can accumulate quality multiple-choice questions and monitor student comprehension, and students have an additional opportunity for better learning.

Prototype Automated Measures of Command and Staff Performance

Prototype Automated Measures of Command and Staff Performance
Author: William T. Holden
Publisher:
Total Pages: 102
Release: 2001
Genre: Command of troops
ISBN:

"This research and development effort continues the work by the U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (AM), Armored Forces Research Unit, Future Battlefield Conditions Team. It focuses on the design and development of automated training and performance evaluation techniques. A primary context for these efforts is digital brigade and below training requirements and environments. For this project, AM's objective was to design, develop, and demonstrate 20 prototype automated measures to improve training and evaluation for brigade and below command and staff performance. The prototype automated measures developed were implemented during the Future Combat Command and Control (FCC2) Concept Experimentation Program experiment conducted by the Mounted Maneuver Battlespace Lab (MMBL) at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The AM's purpose for participating in this experiment was to support the MMBL and the Army's need to gain additional information on future staff evaluation requirements in a virtual simulation environment, and gather feedback for improvements to the prototype automated measures developed during this effort."--DTIC.

Teaching and Learning with Virtual Teams

Teaching and Learning with Virtual Teams
Author: Ferris, Sharmila Pixy
Publisher: IGI Global
Total Pages: 303
Release: 2005-10-31
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1591407109

"This book investigates issues around teams in the virtual and hybrid classroom, offering a view of current research and practice on the subject of virtual and collaborative teams in teaching and learning"--Provided by publisher.