Scenario-based Training for Socio-Cultural Effects-Based Planning

We propose to develop a computer-based training system for socio-cultural effects-based air operations planning. The system would present planning scenarios to a single student or multiple students to provide simulated planning experiences with automated hinting and instruction. For example, a student might be asked to lead a planning cell to research the operational environment and describe the battlefield effects (including terrain, weather, cultural terrain, and their effect on friendly and enemy COA). The scenario would challenge the student to apply cultural cognizance skills as well as air operations planning skills to carry out the simulated air operations planning task. Intelligent tutoring capabilities would monitor and assess the student’s planning processes and products and provide instructional feedback via interactive tutoring dialog. We will enhance our existing, general-purpose rapid simulation development tools and add application-specific authoring and run-time capabilities that simplify scenario development and enhance their instructional effectiveness for this subject area. During Phase I, we will carry out a front end analysis to develop a preliminary model of military cultural factors and their relationship to effects-based air operations planning that provide conceptual guidance to scenario developers during scenario development. We will develop a software prototype to illustrate our instructional approach and elicit feedback.