Adaptive Instruction Authoring Tools

ABSTRACT: The effectiveness of adaptive training systems has been repeatedly demonstrated. However, to foster widespread adoption, tools are needed to reduce the level of effort and cost associated with development and sustainment. To respond to this challenge, Sonalysts proposes to develop the Rapid Adaptive Coaching Environment (RACE). Using a guided authoring and maintenance approach, RACE will allow Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to create and maintain dynamic courses comprising both adaptive Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI) and simulation-based intelligent tutoring. Further, the RACE approach will capture the data defining the courseware in a vendor-neutral ontology. This will allow any appropriate delivery engine to ingest the representation and use it to support training. During Phase I, Sonalysts will develop a Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for the RACE system. The CONOPS will describe how knowledge and skill data will be captured and represented. The CONOPS will then be tested within a feasibility study and a feasibility report will be produced. In Phase II, a fully functional prototype will be developed. When completed, RACE will eliminate the need for formal task analysis, minimize the time experts must devote to course development, function across a range of domains, and address both knowledge and skill training requirements. BENEFIT: This research will contribute significantly to the development of an adaptive training authoring tool set that will: significantly lower the cost of development and sustainment for intelligent tutoring systems and adaptive IMI, facilitate SME involvement in the development and sustainment of adaptive training systems, address both knowledge and skill training requirements, support operations and maintenance training, and support a wide range of domains.