Improved Rotorcraft Substantiation & Usage Tracking Methodology

Technological advances such as advanced electronic classrooms, video tele-training, and web-based curricula offer flexibility for training not possible in traditional settings. Computer-supported training must be more than a simple digitization oftraining materials. Rather, training has to support engaged learning and leverage the full range of resources employed in classroom-based instruction, from training texts, to interactions with the instructor and peers, to hands-on experience using actualequipment. To maximize engaged learning, it is essential to consider relevant motivational factors during the planning, designing, and delivery of computer-supported training. We propose to develop a web-based instructional design aid for designingcomputer-supported training that is both engaging and effective. For our Phase I effort we propose to gain a deeper and more thorough understanding of the factors affecting student motivation and interest in learning. We will develop an extensive andextendable set of criteria for instructional design based on those factors, design and demonstrate a proof-of-concept web-based instructional design aid, and write an evaluation plan for assessing utility and effectiveness. The proposed work will (1)identify a comprehensive set of factors affecting student motivation and establish links between those factors and specific characteristics of military training and, (2) produce a web-based prototype instructional design aid and a plan for its evaluation.