TEAM Orlando Members

Advanced Distributed Learning Co-Laboratory (ADL Co-Lab)

Research, prototyping and testing of technologies designed to provide learning and performance aiding that are tailored to individual needs and delivered anytime, anywhere

Dr. Kristy Murray is the Director of the Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Initiative, under the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Readiness).  The ADL Initiative operates the Co-Labs that research and prototype the latest learning technologies and innovations for the development and delivery of advanced distributed learning technologies for the Department of Defense (DoD).  The ADL Initiative’s mission covers a range of activities and efforts, including:

• Researching and evaluating open architecture tools and standards, intelligent tutoring systems, mobile-enhanced devices, games and virtual learning  for their relevance to distributed learning
• Validating learning technology best practices for making content reusable and universally accessible
• Facilitating implementation of best practices to meet DoD Component training requirements
• Researching and synthesizing game and PC-based simulations for DoD Components
• Capturing pertinent metrics related to assessment and tracking of learner performance

Technology Testing Facilities

The Orlando, FL Co-Lab facility houses the Emerging Technology Collaboration Center, or ETCC, which is shared collaboratively with Defense Acquisition University (DAU). The ETCC is used for testing, developing, and showcasing the newest innovations in games and virtual worlds.

The Game-based Training Testbed in the ETCC boasts high-end computers and the newest console systems, providing a means for testing and experimenting with the newest game applications and development tools. The testbed has a full suite of game software, including examples of current generation game-based training applications, commercial products that have been modified to build serious games, and modifiable games that could potentially be used in the development of future game-based training applications.

Similarly, the Virtual World Testbed houses virtual world technologies and platforms. The Virtual World Testbed is fully networked and capable of running any virtual world software or servers for applications from low-fidelity browser-based solutions to fully immersive augmented reality-based applications. It also supports ADL’s Second Life Island and ADL’s installation on the Team Orlando Island as part of the Military Coalition in Second Life.

The Alexandria, VA Co-Lab also provides a Learning Technology Laboratory (LTL) that allows developers to test learning content for functionality and conformance with the Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM®) in a closed-network. This environment includes a variety of learning management systems (LMSs) that are currently used by the Military Services. Because the Co-Lab hosts this wide range of unique testing facilities, it allows researchers to explore the integration of games and virtual world technologies with current learning management system technologies.  This capability is virtually accessible from the Orlando Co-Lab.

Implementation Technologies:

• Enhanced Learning Environment (ELE) – Leading the research and development of solutions to enable higher order learning outcomes via delivery and tracking of non-linear learning experiences that are rich, engaging, integrated, and effective
• Federal Learning Registry (FLR) – Developing a model for a better way to access to learning resources and create interconnected and personalized learning solutions (joint project with US Department of Education)
• Games for Training – Providing research, prototypes and information on the effective use of gaming technologies and how they can enhance DoD training capabilities
• Application of Adaptive Learning Theory – Providing research, prototyping and expertise in the practical application of instruction design and learning theory to  emerging technologies for DoD training, education and development
• Intelligent Tutors – Conducting research, prototyping and testing for the development of intelligent tutoring systems in DoD training
• Mobile Learning – Providing research, prototyping and testing on mobile-capable systems that can provide enhanced performance or efficient/effective training capabilities for DoD
• ADL Registry – Providing a searchable registry of metadata that describes content objects to enable discovery and reuse of learning content
• SCORM® Learning Standards and SCORM Testing – Providing an integrated set of technical standards, specifications and guidelines to ensure the durability and reuse of learning content and courseware, plus conformance testing software, procedures and supporting documents for organizations to perform self-testing

• S1000D Bridge API Project – Developing a prototype for a seamless connection between learning content authoring tools (LCAT) and technical publication databases for data management, reuse and development
• Virtual Worlds – Conducting research on the use of Virtual Worlds and other social media in the delivery of effective, engaging, and personalized training to the Warfighter
• 3D Repository – Providing a repository of searchable 3D Models to enable their discovery and reuse by other members of the DoD community