Vanguard Magazine

training & simulation The future of training should not just be about the VR and other fancy, shiny piece of technology, but should come with a complete environment that can help the collection of selective performance data that will inform training development and also improve personalization of training. www.vanguardcanada.com APRIL/MAY 2020 13 sound obvious, but it must be constantly repeated. The real challenge is how do we demonstrate effectiveness of new technol- ogy enabled training if we do not know what to measure and if presently, there is no objective measure. Today in the indi- vidual training process, trainees are still mainly qualified operationally through on the job training, live and check rides by an experienced instructor even if advanced Learning Management Systems exist. We also have a tendency to define flight training as pilot training in particular, without recognizing that similar currency and mission requirements exist for the rest of the flight crew and other crews, such as in tactical or armored vehicles. Similar cost and efficiency savings that moved military training into flight simulation has not been realized for the rest of the crew, despite the focus on 'crew' level training. New simulation technologies must be ap- plied to crew members, other than just the air domain and pilots, to get the full ben- efit of Technology Enabled Learning. Before selecting any new technology, the first question should be how this new technology will improve or achieve a bet- ter training outcome. The ideal way is to ensure that we can provide supporting data to prove improved effectiveness and proficiency through performance mea- surements. The future of training should not just be about the VR and other fan- cy, shiny piece of technology, but should come with a complete environment that can help the collection of selective perfor- mance data that will inform training devel- opment and also improve personalization of training. Only when there will be con- sistent performance data and continuous data gathering, could Data Analytics or AI really be effective. The emerging technol- ogies mentioned above will enable this. Performance measurements can be achieved, and real time feedback and ob- jective assessment can be provided along the training continuum. Performance Measurement Examples For the vast majority of rear crew opera- tors responsible for everything from com- bat search and rescue to humanitarian relief and utility operations, the first time they face adverse or complex conditions is live, thereby translating operational risk, increased cost and lower proficiency levels to the use of precious flight hours. As a result, 'high risk, low repetition' tasks get practiced the most infrequently contrary to training in any other domain. There is available technology that enables advance- ment in (rear) crew training and new de- velopment that outlines the research being done to quantify the variables affecting mission performance and the outcomes as compared to traditional training methods. Bluedrop Training & Simulation launched the Integration of Mission Per- formance Analytics in Courseware, Train- ing and Simulation (IMPACTS). The new R&D project in collaboration with academia to integrate the new simulation equipment within the training continuum using an xAPI interface of a Learning Management System (LMS) to collect performance data allowing analysis of mis- sion performance. The data capture of the project will facilitate the determination of performance trending and allow man- agement of trainee and crew outcomes for adaptive training design using the Mission Anti Rollover Gunnery Simula- tor (MAGS). This project will hopefully demonstrate the full capability of an LMS when integrated with training systems. It will pave the way to true performance- based training. Performance-based train- ing focuses on specific outcomes and then sets expectations, provides feedback, in- troduces tools, rewards skill development, teaches new skills and knowledge, etc. - all aimed at supporting behavior that pro- duces the desired outcome. The Mission Anti Rollover Gunnery Simulator (MAGS) designed and built by Bluedrop is a Crew Mission Training for the TAPV and other three or four crewmen platforms. It is a vehicle based immersive mission trainer on a 6 DOF motion plat- form for anti-rollover and gunnery mission training. Used primarily for immersed crew and crew/patrol commander training, this device enables collective training amongst multiple networked simulation devices for a full battlefield mission experience. On another project in collaboration with RCAF and Memorial University of New- foundland, the Hoisting in Simulation Performance Measurement & Analytics is performed using the newly introduced Hoist Mission Training System (HMTS). The objective is to provide performance evaluation using Maritime Helicopter Utility Course to compare trainees who have had training with simulation on the HMTS to those that have not and evalu- ate their performance on a check ride. In another testing stream, we are identifying what defines effective hoist operations. The data compares novice trainees and ex- pert operators to determine what variables are most important in mission outcomes, allowing the development and incorpora- tion of algorithms into adaptive training design. The goal is to be able to provide real time, objective feedback to the train- ees for increased proficiency and opera- tional readiness faster, thus resulting in an improved trainee throughput. Emerging technologies are offering a spectrum of opportunities to improve training. However, the focus must not be on technology alone but on defining the required training outcome first. Programs will need to adapt to the fast pace of tech- nology evolution to take full advantage of continuous performance of COTS technol- ogies. Finally, new development must also be focused on providing the infrastructure that gives performance measurement capa- bilities integrated within a Learning Man- agement System to achieve true perfor- mance-based training. Only then can Data Analytics and AI be fully leveraged. Jean-Claude Siew is the executive Vice President for Technology and Simula- tion for Bluedrop Training & Simulation Inc. Jean-Claude has profound domain knowledge of training and simulation and technology leadership. At Bluedrop, he is focused on the company's growth and on bringing innovative solutions and on devel- oping and introducing leading-edge train- ing products for Aerospace and Defence.

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