Interactive Next-generation Testbed Environment for Retention and Assessment of Computer-based Training (INTERACT)

The overall goal of the proposed effort is to demonstrate the technical feasibility of integrating advanced multimodal interface technologies and advanced embedded performance assessment metrics within current and emergent naval engineering maintenance VE training platforms. Our advanced interface technologies will support visual, auditory, haptic, and olfactory modalities and our advanced embedded assessments will measure cognitive, perceptual, and psychomotor skills. The integration of these interfaces and assessments will be guided by the long-term (i.e., Phase II) goal of optimizing the training experience for acquisition and sustainment of naval engineering maintenance skills. This effort seeks to identify requisite skills and advanced science and technology tools to support training, retention, and assessment of these skills within immersive VEs, as well as mobile (tablet-based) tools for use in operational environments. Specifically, AnthroTronix, Inc. (ATinc) and the National Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, and Student Testing (CRESST) propose to design, develop, and validate an Interactive Next-generation Testbed Environment for Retention and Assessment of Computer-based Training (INTERACT) prototype that can be integrated with current and emergent computer-based training platforms to support optimized training and retention of naval engineering maintenance skills.