Structured Evaluation of Computer-Based Training Systems

Abstract

The U. S. Coast Guard must, under the Port and Tanker Safety Act of 1978, establish standards for “qualification for licenses by use of simulators for the practice or demonstration of marine-related skills.” These standards will involve granting partial credit toward licenses for “approved” simulator training. Research has produced approval guidelines for ship simulator courses for merchant marine deck officers and cadets to become third mates. These documents may also help training designers and/or may be used by industry personnel shopping around for simulator training. The result is a robust, but user-friendly evaluation guide. The basic rationale can be adapted to other specific subject-student categories.