The goal of the project described here is to investigate the training uses of the Integrated Maintenance Information System (IMIS). IMIS is being developed by the Air Force's Armstrong Laboratory as a job aid (using automated tech-order data) for aircraft maintenance technicians who are performing duties on the flightline. This project involves conducting an analysis of current Air Force maintenance training practices, developing a prototype of how IMIS can be used in Air Force training at Technical Training Centers and operational bases, and demonstrating this prototype in a realistic training situation.

In this paper, we first describe the IMIS system and briefly report the results of our analysis of current Air Force maintenance training practices. Then, we suggest a general procedure for planning how to add training capabilities to job aids, and describe how we followed this procedure in planning the IMIS training system. Finally, the prototype IMIS training system is described.

The most effective use of IMIS in training would be as an intelligent simulation environment. In terms of the content of training, the prototype we are developing will explicitly train novice technicians (skill level 3) in some of the key strategies and knowledge used by expert aircraft troubleshooters. In terms of training methods, the prototype will follow cognitive-apprenticeship-training principles and will be designed to stimulate collaborative learning and discussion. It will include some aspects of an intelligent tutoring system, such as limited student modeling and adaptive instruction.