In light of rapid technology advances and budget declines, the Navy is exploring innovative training solutions though initiatives such as Sailor 2025 and High Velocity Learning, which call for more hands-on, learner-centric training. Consistent with these initiatives, virtual reality (VR) offers a low-cost alternative to traditional methods of training by offering Sailors interactive and immersive 3-D simulation environments to train critical skills. Read full document

Serious games offer a promising technology for training complex skills. But there are few implementation guidelines and even fewer empirical studies that unequivocally demonstrate a benefit of game-based training over conventional alternatives. To address the first issue, we developed a structured query framework that links elements of game design (e.g., feedback, challenge, fantasy) to training objectives. The framework is a synthesis of serious game, multimedia instruction, cognitive psychology, and instructional design literatures. Read full document

With all the hype about online shopping and digital retailing, it is hard to imagine brickand-mortar stores as essential to retailers’ ultimate success.
But Nadia Shouraboura, Founder & CEO of Hointer, Inc., believes they are. Read full document

Often, our fielded training systems emphasize media for imparting facts, rules, and procedures, followed by simulations or live events where trainees are expected to apply that knowledge. Seemingly missing from this sequence, however, is any support for acquiring the cognitive capabilities that underlie task performance. The result can be trainees who know the facts, but not where and how to use them. Read full document

For decades, marketers have relied on the Intent to Buy rating scale to assess customer purchase behavior when presented with a product or in-store concept. The Intent to Buy question is just one part of the traditional survey used by researchers, and focuses on what percentage of people say they would likely purchase a product. For decades it has been the best metric given the tools available. But that’s no longer the case—virtual reality research can now provide companies with observed purchase behavior. Read full document

Did you know that in the alcohol and spirits category, 40 percent of U.S. consumers who buy alcoholic beverages haven’t decided what they’re going to purchase when they walk into the store? Twenty-one percent end up changing their mind in store, and 50% of those who changed their mind ultimately bought a different brand than originally intended. Simply guessing on which new signage concept will impact buying decisions, or relying on historical data, runs the risk of falling flat with those impressionable shoppers. Read full document

The purpose of integrating virtual simulations proof of concept into this training exercise was to demonstrate the value of virtual devices for providing training to both the primary (battlestaff) and secondary (supporting units) training audiences in addition to the live augmented with constructive simulation (primarily MAGTF Tactical Warfare Simulation (MTWS)) training model traditionally used in this type of exercise. To determine the impact of virtual integration on training efficacy (ability to complete tasks), PM TRASYS was also tasked to conduct an assessment of the training value during the LSE-14 Warm Start and Final Exercise (FINEX). This paper describes the outcome of the data collection, analysis, and recommendations for the virtual integration path forward from a training design perspective. The discussion presents doctrinal updates, measures, and standardization needs for Marine Corps (USMC) LVC training. Read full document

Safe and successful surgical intervention requires careful planning and precise technical execution. The ideal surgical education and training environment would include repetition, reinforcement, review, and re-evaluation to speed the achievement of required performance levels, focus trainees on critical tasks, and promote the development of competent intraoperative decision making. In practice, students learn how to operate by practicing, under supervision, on real patients. This method subverts the desired objectives due to uncontrollable factors such as random patient availability and diverse disease presentation. An interactive virtual surgical training environment provides a promising alternative by potentially reducing medical error rates, improving the accuracy of intraoperative judgments, and increasing efficiency without the risk to living patients. Read full document