Effective Retrieval of Human Technical Knowledge

It is well-recognized that it is difficult to effectively retrieve detailed technical knowledge from a subject matter expert (S&M) to use in an instructional system. The goal of this proposal is to provide a system to enhance the Navy's ability to retrieve this knowledge in order to augment the development of courseware, to provide additional information to instructors, and to identify and capture the "expert" knowledge of SMEs in critical areas of truining, in the form of a generalized data base. The stated requirements of this Phase I-Phase 11 effort are to develop the capabilities to: (1) devise a test bed for a system that will facilitate extracting raw knowledge from SNIES, separating it into discrete areas of technology to enable the information to be used functionally, across multiple applicable learning programs, and storing it for subsequent retrieval for use in subsequent computer-based truining courseware as well as in informal training settings; and, (2) demonstrate preparedness for Phase II by using the test bed to obtain information from individual SMEs and store it in a training knowledge data base. In order to successfully accomplish these requirements a detailed front end analysis of the current training continuum and its deficiencies must be performed to ensure e-CHIEF development will provide maximum benefit to instructional systems developers, in the school housetclassroom and directly to the Fleet.