Next-Generation of Maintenance Skills Training System

As military systems continue to grow more complex, there is a pressing need to concurrently advance maintenance training systems to accurately assess skill acquisition and decay, while incorporating interactive stimuli. Instead of training procedural skills in isolation, we broaden the training scope to include learning problem-solving strategies, (e.g. diagnosing a problem and selecting a procedure to address it), metacognitive strategies, (e.g. assessing the effectiveness of ones current activities), and conceptual knowledge, (e.g. a cause-and-effect mental model of how a mechanical or electronic system works), all informed by current advances in learning sciences. We will design and develop a compelling game-based maintenance trainer for a U.S. Navy Gun Mount currently in use in the fleet. We will utilize intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) as they provide a realistic task environment and enable individualized coaching. The anticipated benefits include a comprehensive skill acquisition module that can track individual skill level and predict required training and refresher courses to minimize skill atrophy. In Phase I, CTIs interdisciplinary team will develop a concept and design document for a virtual environment maintenance trainer with assessment tools for skill acquisition and decay. In Phase II, a prototype system will be developed and delivered for US Navy evaluation.