Simulation-Based Training Approach to Cross-cultural Training

Factual aspects of formal cultural knowledge are well documented. So is information on observable cultural differences such as time and space. Systems for training on these more formal cross-cultural attributes are reasonably straightforward to build, and have been quite effective. On the other hand, the more informal attributes such as communication patterns and styles, inter-relationship power perception, predilection to risk-taking etc. are far more difficult to codify and train as these are neither easily observable nor measurable. Currently deployed cross-cultural training methods have focused mostly on the more formal and easily measurable and trainable aspects of cross-cultural training. However these methods are woefully inadequate or prohibitively expensive for training in the informal attributes. In this proposal, we provide a novel and inexpensive solution. We propose an innovative simulation-based cross-cultural training environment, where trainees learn skills through compelling interactive stories. For this purpose, our approach will utilize (a) Interactive Pedagogical Drama (IPD) based adaptable training to create interactive stories where trainees interact with the characters in a realistic, narrative-driven, story-based setting; (b) intelligent agent-based infrastructure to model believable role-playing characters with motivations, attitudes and emotions; and (c) SCORM-compliant web-based distance learning infrastructure to deliver accessible training content.