IMPACT: Intelligent Modeling for Pedagogically-Aware Cultural Training

Soar Technology proposes to build IMPACT (Intelligent Modeling For Pedagogically-Aware Cultural Training), a sophisticated, agent-based system to enable immersive, realistic practice environments for cultural training. IMPACT features a robust student model that represents a broad matrix of culturally appropriate skills and an intelligent director agent that uses the student model to provide performance feedback in either or two modes: explicitly through spoken directives or implicitly through the dynamic adaptation of characters and events in the training scenario. IMPACT supports pedagogically-sound cultural training that is cost-effective, easily deployed, and highly adaptive to individual needs, beyond what is presently possible in state-of-the-art computer-based training or live training exercises. IMPACT will result in better supported, more focused, more enjoyable, and ultimately more effective computer-based cultural skills training.