GENERIC MULTIMEDIA TRAINING MODULE - GMT

Embedded training is required to efficiently and cost-effecitvely train Fleet personnel in the use of application software. Multimedia training tools provide an interactive, rapid, and stimulating environment to train Fleet personnel in the operation of application software. Our approach is to develop a Generic Multimedia Training (GMT) module to allow application software developers to easily embed multimedia based training directly within their applications. The GMT multimedia authoring mechanisms will allow the user to construct useful, context-sensitive training scripts. The scripts utilize audio, video, image, and program-specific module scripting execution to enhance user training. For the Phase I effort, we will: 1) investigate various embedded multimedia technology methods; 2) choose the method that best supports the required generic capabilities across various applications and computer platforms; 3) demonstrate a reduced capability prototype of critical technology to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method; and 4) write a detailed report describing the trade-off analyses and results. For the Phase II effort, the GMT will be utilized to embed multimedia training into the X-Windows/Motif based Joint Maritime Command Information System (JMCIS) system. For the Phase III effort, the GMT will be expanded as a generic tool for utilization by other applications and hardware platforms.