Simulating Training Results to Understand Differing Effects of fidelity on Learning (STRUDEL)

The Navy uses intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs) coupled with training simulations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of training for a wide variety of operational tasks. These training simulations require significant cost and effort to develop. Unfortunately, the lack of evidence-based design guidelines for critical decisions such as fidelity leads to simulations that are developed in an ad hoc manner. This practice risks ineffective training at significant expense. Instead, developers need scientifically validated methods and tools for understanding and choosing the optimum level of fidelity for training simulations. To address this issue, this project will design and demonstrate the feasibility of Simulating Training Results to Understand Differing Effects of fidelity on Learning (STRUDEL). STRUDEL includes a model of how simulation fidelity, trainee experience, and task interact to produce different learning outcomes, along with tools to understand how the model applies to existing training problems or training solutions.