Allen Munro

Productivity Tools for Simulation-Centered Training Development.

Model-based training offers a number of potential benefits in training performance of complex tasks, particularly when an interactive device model can be manipulated both by the training system and by the learner. Unlike fixed training systems, simulation-centered training allows the learner to practice in a realistic setting that is not artificially constrained, and it allows the training system to automatically support the learner in attaining complex goals. Rapid authoring of many other learning transactions can also be supported in a model-based environment, enhancing the potential for both high-quality interactive instruction and productivity in the development of such instruction. A potential problem with the model-based approach, however, is that the model development process is traditionally very unproductive and often results in unreliable or unrealistic models of the systems to be learned. Presented in this article is theRapids authoring system, an integrated set of direct manipulation tools for the production of interactive graphical models and instruction based on those models. A short course based on models of neural networks on the visual retina is described to illustrate the productive application of theRapids simulation and course authoring tools.

Model-Building Tools for Simulation-Based Training.

Abstract The Intelligent Maintenance Training System (IMTS) includes software tools that allow a nonprogramming subject matter expect to produce an interactive graphical model of a complex device. The resulting simulations are presented in an environment that permits students to directly manipulate graphical controls and to observe the effects of these manipulations on simulated indicators and test points. Associated instructional delivery programs administer practice exercises and support the learners performance as necessary. IMTS attacks two productivity problems for simulation‐based training: (1) the development of flexible model‐based simulations, and (2) the generation of intelligent instructive interactions.

Simulation-based instruction of technical skills

A rapid intelligent tutoring development system (RAPIDS) was developed to facilitate the production of interactive, real-time graphical device models for use in instructing the operation and maintenance of complex systems. The tools allowed subject matter experts to produce device models by creating instances of previously defined objects and positioning them in the emerging device model. These simulation authoring functions, as well as those associated with demonstrating procedures and functional effects on the completed model, required no previous programming experience or use of frame-based instructional languages. Three large simulations were developed in RAPIDS, each involving more than a dozen screen-sized sections. Seven small, single-view applications were developed to explore the range of applicability. Three workshops were conducted to train others in the use of the authoring tools. Participants learned to employ the authoring tools in three to four days and were able to produce small working device models on the fifth day.

Authoring Interactive Graphical Models for Instruction

Although many intelligent tutoring systems have made use of interactive graphical models of topic matter, most have been developed using conventional programming tools, sometimes augmented by special interface editors. This approach permits a high degree of flexibility and control, but its successful application requires a great deal of technical skill and development time. It is therefore feasible for only a small subset of the training and instruction contexts in which an interactive simulation would be of benefit. Recently, several authoring environments have been developed that support the creation of interactive graphical models by direct manipulation. IMTS, RAPIDS n, and RIDES are three authoring tools for the production of intelligent tutoring systems centered around interactive graphical models. The experience of developing these three authoring environments and applying them to produce a number of tutors has helped to clarify the desirable features for authoring systems for interactive graphical models.

Direct manipulation authoring of object behavior in an interactive graphical modeling environment

A direct-manipulation model-authoring environment called RAPIDS II is presented. Its graphical models are composed of object components that have associated behaviors. These behaviors include changing appearance in response to user actions, changing the value of an attribute associated with an object, changing the appearance of an object in response to attribute value changes in that object or in some other object, scheduling future changes in response to an event, and starting a process of continuous change. All of these behaviors are determined by behavior rules that are authored by experts in the device or system that is being modeled. The model-based interactive graphical simulations of RAPIDS II are driven by a specialized expert system shell that directly supports real-time effects in its inference engine. The rules can be composed using either a structure-sensitive text editor or a menu-driven rule composition system. Menu-based rule authoring can be used to describe the behavior of an object without typing.<<ETX>>

ITS Technologies in Virtual Environments: Can We Harness the Synergy?

This panel will discuss the development and effective delivery of instructional content in virtual environments (VE), based on their practical experience in this arena. Individually, panelists represent research in simulation-based training, ITS authoring tools, intelligent agents, virtual environments, pedagogical principles, and training effectiveness. For the past few years, these panelists have teamed to develop collaborative software components to achieve effective, maintainable, and affordable VE-based learning environments. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has used this maturing technology to field two VE-based training systems. The Virtual Environment Safe-for-Maintenance Tutor (VEST) is used by the 363rd Training Squadron at Sheppard AFB for F15-E weapons systems familiarization and procedural training. Additionally, the Advanced Virtual Adaptive Tutor for Air traffic control Readiness (AVATAR) is providing low-cost part-task training at the 81st Training Wing of the 334th Training Squadron at Keesler AFB. Currently, under the Virtual Environments for Training (VET) initiative funded by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), this collaborative effort has focused on applications to team training, a challenge to ITS technologies in and of itself. Embodied intelligent agents can be assigned to act as a team member or tutor a specific student. Both students and agents can manipulate objects in the virtual world.

Software Support for Teaching and Measuring Cognitive Readiness

Cognitive readiness to perform complex decision-making or problem-solving tasks can be, and often is, taught and measured in the context of interactive practice environments, including computer games and simulations. Traditionally, human experts have observed learners in such practice environments and have made assessments of cognitive readiness for the task by evaluating the performance. Such experts sometimes also instructed the learners, either in real time or in after-action reviews that sometimes included playback of a recorded practice session. Progress has been made toward supporting automated assessment in simulations and games and in providing automated instruction. The TAO Sandbox, a practice environment for planning surface warfare naval tactics, has such features that support automated assessment. Elements of that system suggest universal services that games and simulations could offer to support automated instruction and assessment of cognitive readiness.

Workshop III - Efficient ITS Development

This workshop will address theoretical and applied issues in the efficient development of intelligent tutoring systems. Approaches to efficient ITS development that will be covered include: Specialized ITS authoring systems ITS development with reusable components Domain content analysis or encoding systems … and others