Delivery of Army Training via Computer Conferencing: An Empirical Evaluation of a Rising Technology—Report of Year One

Abstract

This symposium consists of four related presentations on the application of computer conferencing to Army training. These presentations will be followed by a short presentation by a distinguished discussant. It should be noted that the work being reported was performed for the United States Army Research Institute (ARI).

The first presentation provides an overview of computer conferencing, discusses the training needs of the Army Reserve Component (RC), and looks at the potential match between the capabilities of computer conferencing and the RC training needs. A brief introduction is given of the first year's research study conducted by the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) in support of ARI. A two-group design was adopted to look at the effects of augmenting an existing correspondence course with computer conferencing.

The second presentation discusses the data obtained from the study and presents preliminary results (the online class has been completed but the correspondence tests have not all been submitted nor have the study-related posttests and retention tests been completed by all the subjects). The types of data presented and discussed include activity data which was gathered as the online course proceeded, various kinds of survey data, and performance and completion data.

The third presentation looks at the online course experience using process observation technique. Some results of the analysis to date are presented, with various examples from the online transcripts illustrating the types of behaviors and interpersonnel interactions observed. The examples are woven together with commentary and clarifying notes.

The final presentation is a summary of lessons learned and a list of “gaps” that need to be filled by further research. As with many new areas, what is known at this point in time is overshadowed by what is not known. Important areas needing further research include instructor training and selection, course adaptation methods (how to take existing content and objectives and teach them via computer conferencing), and the entire area of logistics (including hardware, software, and support). As a result of the first year's efforts, the researchers are soberly aware of the difficulties and costs associated with using computer conferencing for training but are also optimistic that given the appropriate type of content, properly trained instructors, willing students, and sufficient logistical support, there is a real place for this technology in delivering training to the Army reserve component.