technology
Learning Products for the Modern Classroom by: Jennifer McCabe and Will Morris, Applied Research Associates
T
oday’s technology enables people to learn and advance in their careers in unprecedented ways. Games, simulated environments and systems, allow learners to experi-
The USDLA Awards were created to acknowledge major accomplish-
ence situations that are impossible to replicate in the real world for
demonstrated extraordinary results through the use of online video
reasons of safety, cost or time. It is for this reason games and sim-
conferencing, satellite and blended learning delivery technologies.
ulations are sometimes the only way to effectively achieve a successful learning experience. Companies are now able to integrate game-based technology and game design to create immersive, 3D interactive learning solutions into existing e-learning platforms. At Applied Research Associates (ARA), a team of game designers, programmers, graphic designers, subject matter experts, and instructional systems designers develop curriculum to meet the needs of any student, anywhere. Their goal is to create compelling training environments that require trainees to assess situations and make critical decisions to improve safety, security, and way of life. The company was just honored in April by the United States Distance Learning Association for its Post Attack Reconnaissance training course developed for the Air Force. ARA, in partnership with the Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) at Tyndall Air Force Base, is one of only three winners of the USDLA “Innovation” Award and the only government/military winner.
ments in distance learning and to highlight those distance learning instructors, programs, and professionals who have achieved and
Immersive Gaming National data shows 97 percent of U.S. teens play video games. That’s why AFCEC training experts wanted to create a scenario-based training experience which emulates gameplay of popular console games to improve training retention of new Airmen. They wanted a departure from the old PowerPoint-based training classes of the past, to give students an engaging, input-driven, immersive-learning environment. Companies are now exploring new ways to best suit their organizations learning needs and educational retention. Behavior is taught though imitation, feedback and practice. Processes are taught through explanation and practice. Judgment is taught through hearing stories, asking questions, making choices, getting feedback and coaching. Skills are learned through imitation, feedback, continuous practice and increasing challenge. An award-winning example of this in action is the AFCEC Post Attack Reconnaissance course to deploy this new training innovation.
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“This year’s USDLA Award recipients represent the finest examples
The goal of the course is to train and certify U.S. Airmen in Post
of online courses, best practices, and leadership in our field,” said
Attack Reconnaissance, or what to do in the event of a chemical,
USDLA President Pat Cassella.
biological, nuclear, radiological or explosive attack on an air base.
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