Sam O. Nagashima

Peak Performance Trainer (PPTTM): Interactive Neuro-educational Technology to Increase the Pace and Efficiency of Rifle Marksmanship Training

Marksmanship training involves a combination of classroom instructional learning and field practice involving the instantiation of a well-defined set of sensory, motor and cognitive skills. Current training procedures rely heavily on conventional classroom instruction often with qualitative assessment based on observation (i.e. coaching). We have developed a novel device called the Peak Performance Trainer (PPTTM) which can accelerate the progression from novice-to-expert based on automated inferences from neurophysiological measurements. Our previous work has revealed specific EEG correlates to stages of skill acquisition in simple learning and memory tasks. We have incorporated this knowledge as well as an array of other physiological metrics to develop a field-deployable training technology with continuous physiological monitoring in combination with simultaneous measures of performance, workload, engagement and distraction, accuracy, speed and efficiency. This paper outlines the features of the PPT and the preliminary results of its use in marksmanship training.

I-NET ® : Interactive neuro-educational technology to accelerate skill learning

The learning of a novel task currently rely heavily on conventional classroom instruction with qualitative assessment and observation. Introduction of individualized tutorials with integrated neuroscience-based evaluation techniques could significantly accelerate skill acquisition and provide quantitative evidence of successful training. We have created a suite of adaptive and interactive neuro-educational technologies (I-NET) to increase the pace and efficiency of skill learning. It covers four major themes: 1) Integration of brain monitoring into paced instructional tutorials, 2) Identifying psychophysiological characteristics of expertise using a model population, 3) Developing sensor-based feedback to accelerate novice-to-expert transition, 4) Identifying neurocognitive factors that are predictive of skill acquisition to allow early triage and interventions. We selected rifle marksmanship training as the field of application. Rifle marksmanship is a core skill for the Army and Marine Corps and it involves a combination of classroom instructional learning and field practice involving instantiation of a well-defined set of sensory, motor and cognitive skills. The instrumentation that incorporates the I-NET technologies is called the Adaptive Peak Performance Trainer (APPT®). Preliminary analysis of pilot study data for performance data from a novice population that used this device revealed an improved learning trajectory.

Validity Evidence for a Model of Rifle Marksmanship Skill Performance Using Sensor-Based Measures

This paper reports validity evidence for the use of sensor-based skill measures in evaluating performance differences in rifle marksmanship. Nagashima, Chung, Espinosa, Berka, and Baker (2009) describe four measures used to predict skill classification of expert and novice shooters for known distance rifle marksmanship, three related to breath control and one for trigger control. In this study, skill measures from seven experts and nine novices were collected and classifications were generated resulting in an overall percent correct of 75.6%, with a sensitivity of 54.3%, and 92.0% specificity.