Tailored Learning for Cross-Cultural Intelligence Collection Training

Computer games can enable training for the human terrain that is both scalable and effective. However, games lack the individualized guidance and feedback that speeds and deepens learning. To enable improved game-based learning of the human terrain, Soar Technology proposes to develop an innovative cross-cultural training game and, within the training game, apply and extend previously-developed dynamic tailoring technologies for individualizing a trainee''s experience. The training game will focus on one-on-one interactions in the context of human-intelligence gathering, building on an existing game-based system. Novel features include technology infrastructure to enable rapid development of non-player characters and a narrative structure that will increase engagement and enable substantial variation for practice. Tailoring is enabled by diagnostic daemons that monitor student activity. We will extend existing diagnostic capabilities to incorporate psychophysiological sensors. These sensors will enable dynamic imputation of some mental states, such as attention and cognitive workload. By extending and developing new tailoring strategies for both content and game-play adaptation, the proposed training game will be able to tailor learning opportunities to specific, observed training needs, cognitive state, and game-play preferences of the trainee, providing highly individualized, targeted learning experiences for trainees.