Design Interactive, Inc. — Department of Defense STTR Phase II: AF17A-T009

Description

Training can now be delivered on a large scale through emerging platforms, but training must be engaging to be effectively utilized. Key to providing training that makes a difference in the field is an understanding of how to induce high levels of engagement during learning and the ability to objectively assess engagement in real-time so that interventions can be tailored during training to optimize engagement and maximize learning. Previously self-reported metrics or expensive EEG-based measures are not appropriate for large-scale platforms. Design Interactive Inc. (DI) with support from Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) proposes development of the Noninvasive Gauge to Assess and Utilize Goal-oriented Engagement (NGAUGE), a measurement system that integrates noninvasive physiological monitoring with subjective self-report to directly measure engagement in classroom, simulation, and live training sessions. When completed, NGAUGE will be capable of monitoring, assessing, and tracking learner engagement across learning situations and contexts and will provide real-time and after-action feedback for how to adjust training to optimize engagement. Phase II will include a classifier expansion study, full system development, training effectiveness and usability evaluations, and transition planning/ reporting.