Learning Products for the Modern Classroom

Today’s technology enables people to learn and advance in their careers in unprecedented ways. Games, simulated environments and systems, allow learners to experience situations that are impossible to replicate in the real world for reasons of safety, cost or time. It is for this reason games and simulations 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.

“This year’s USDLA Award recipients represent the finest examples of online courses, best practices, and leadership in our field,” said USDLA President Pat Cassella.

The USDLA Awards were created to acknowledge major accomplishments in distance learning and to highlight those distance learning instructors, programs, and professionals who have achieved and demonstrated extraordinary results through the use of online video conferencing, satellite and blended learning delivery technologies.

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. The goal of the course is to train and certify U.S. Airmen in Post Attack Reconnaissance, or what to do in the event of a chemical, biological, nuclear, radiological or explosive attack on an air base.

The objectives of the PAR course are to identify the purpose of Post Attack Reconnaissance teams, understand the policies and directives governing them, know how PAR teams fit into the incident command structure, and be fully aware of their roles and responsibilities as PAR team members.

The PAR course uses images and video from real-world and training events involving Air Force personnel in actual reconnaissance environments to add an unparalleled course that is the first of its kind to target installation personnel. The still imagery and videos, combined with additional animation and narration, create an engaging instructional module. The subsequent immersive training environment features a responsive 3D setting that simulates conventional and chemical attacks in pre- and post-attack missions.

“We are witnessing an enormous increase in opportunities seeking the immersive-gaming and interactive capabilities our team offers,” said Bruce Grabbe, ARA’s strategic communication, marketing and training group leader.

ARA has applied its systematic approach for developing training solutions to over 100 military and government agency products. In addition to web-based courses, ARA has successfully delivered paper-based, and professional packaged stand-alone courses.

Video Another effective way to engage people is through video and thanks to YouTube and other video platforms, it is now easier than ever to deliver your content to a wide audience. Videos can be used in student-centered learning activities, training sessions, presentations and proposals. The content can be made accessible from anywhere at any time. ARA’s videographers, producers, and animators create engaging and sophisticated video products, from concept development to script writing and video editing.

Animation Businesses who need to present a complicated topic or technology in a really visual way can use ARA animators to bring it to life with 3D animation. Through the use of 3D modeling and animation, you

can deconstruct, highlight, slow down, speed up, and pause the visuals to make sure a concept is clear. From new product launches, to military equipment, ARA 3D animation elevates content in a more sophisticated way; and helps drive your presentation or content forward using multiple angles and views.

Knowledge and Experience of the ARA Team ARA is a science and engineering firm with an office in Panama City, Florida. The company employs more than 100 people at its downtown office and Tyndall Air Force Base, and more than 1,200 nationwide. ARA was founded to solve hard problems that make a difference in people’s lives.

In Bay County, the ARA team, Strategic Communications, Marketing,& Training Solutions Group SCM-TSG includes experiencedsubject matter experts, certified instructional systems designers,training needs analysis and evaluation experts, technical writers/editors, media/graphics specialists, and 508 compliance specialistswith mission-specific experience. Our corporate training solutionsphilosophy hinges on the ADDIE model (analyze, design, develop,implement and evaluate) to ensure that training requirements areproperly identified and relevant and that trainees attain the necessaryknowledge, skills, and abilities.

“ARA is committed to keeping pace, and remaining innovative inhelping customers meet their needs,” said Grabbe.