This study examined 145 students' course grades and scores on a standardised achievement test (the Area Concentration Achievement Test [ACAT] in Psychology) following completion of web-based, web-enhanced or classroom courses in basic learning. We found that students in web-based courses had lower course grades than those in either classroom-based or web-enhanced courses. Moreover, students in web-based or web-enhanced courses scored lower on the ACAT Human Learning subtest than did students in classroom-based instruction. Thus we found poorer outcomes associated with web-based rather than classroom-based instruction. Perhaps neither standardised tests nor grades capture the strengths of web-based pedagogy. More research is needed to assess learning outcomes across various modes of instruction in order to identify variables that can maximise success of web-based instruction and perhaps also to better capture the strengths of web-based pedagogy.
Currently, military instructors are faced with a number of training simulations that have been developed in support of their needs. However, despite the various (sometimes overlapping) training materials available, the instructor is still performing timeintensive and high workload preparation, execution, and post exercise activities manually, as these capabilities do not exist within (and across) extant training systems. Additionally, training preparation tends to be location-specific, in that training materials are not easily shared across those using the system, requiring each user to go back and 'reinvent' materials to better support his/her trainees.However, it is critical that designs that take into account these deficiencies in current programs are grounded in field-tested methods that directly support how these functions are currently accomplished. Without a design based on user needs, resultant systems run the risk of not supporting target users. Given this, this paper will discuss an approach for gathering best practices from field users and identifying gaps where these practices are not supported within automated training systems. After, we will present the conceptualization of a system to address those needs, and the development and testing for select functions. Finally, we will discuss the target outcomes at the end of the project, and impact on user workload.
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