JTIEC provides an entry point for Team Orlando customers.
Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, or NAWCTSD
Project Overview
The cultural awareness training programs currently available within the Department of Defense (DoD) are primarily classroom-based and many require several days of training time. Of the cultural awareness courses that are technology-enhanced through simulation games, all are single-user and none are delivered via the Web. Some of these courses also require a significant commitment in terms of resources to run the games while others focus on a particular skill set. Access to cultural awareness training is limited with the current course offerings. Moreover, once training has been completed there is no way for trainees to refresh their cultural understandings or practice their cross-cultural skills.
The Virtual Cultural Awareness Trainer (VCAT) is a four hour, web-based, modular cultural awareness gaming simulation for Joint Warfighters that will prepare them with the appropriate cultural awareness prior to the Mission Rehearsal Exercise (MRE). The first module is focused on the Horn of Africa (HOA) with three mission types: Civil Affairs Operations, Security Operations, and Humanitarian Operations. The instructional approach is broken down by Junior, Mid, and Senior Grade trainees.
The overall objective of the VCAT is to provide cultural awareness training while simultaneously demonstrating the ability to deliver the training via an innovative training method. This program is a US Joint Forces Command (JFCOM) Joint Knowledge Development and Distribution Capability (JKDDC) initiative based on Training Capability Analysis of Alternatives (TC AoA) Alternative 5. The objective of TC AoA Alt 5 is “re-engineering joint training” through innovative training methods other than use of large scale constructive simulations. TC AoA Alt 5 specifically addresses gaps in joint small group training. VCAT provides a solution for these training deficiencies by using an interactive distance education approach that incorporates rich multimedia.
The technology used in VCAT promotes high levels of engagement, motivation and practice by providing “free form” storylines with very wide ranges of game-play paths, interactive dialogs and action options. Not all virtual humans are the same; each behaves according to its individual personality, cultural background, emotions and intent, consistent with the storyline and in response to trainee actions. The storyline’s drama, exploration and elements of surprise include many different opportunities to learn.
VCAT is on target for an August 2009 release and will be available via the Joint Knowledge Online (JKO) portal. A short demonstration of VCAT is provided in the link below.
Approved for Public Release. Distribution Unlimited.