Training Optimization for Generic Game-based Learning Environments (TOGGLE)

Stability, Security, Transition, and Reconstruction (SSTR) operations require U.S. military personnel to interact and communicate effectively with people whose cultures, languages, and beliefs are very different from their own. SSTR operations require tact and understanding of the motives and tendencies of indigenous populations in order to defuse tense situations, prevent civil disturbances, and obtain cooperation. Traditional tactical training must be augmented with cultural intelligence and negotiations training. The U.S. military has sponsored previous research into the application of computer game technology for this purpose. In past efforts, learning has been opportunistic and no systematic training methodology has been applied. Previous systems typically lacked training mechanisms such as training goals, performance standards, student models, instructor feedback, and performance remediation/appraisal. To meet this challenge, we propose to develop a training life cycle methodology that is mediated and facilitated by executable cognitive models of the student, the instructor, and the training process itself. The Training Optimization for Generic Game-based Learning Environments (TOGGLE) system will meet the specific training need of Arabic cultural familiarization and negotiations training and will also focus on the use of student models and instructional design practices to develop games that can demonstrate true training effectiveness.