The Automated Instructional Media Selection (AIMS) model was used to allocate selected media to specific training objectives for the Air Force Primary Aircrew Training System (AFPATS) Ground Based Training System (GBTS). This paper discusses why the AIMS model was chosen over other media selection models, how it was used, what modifications were made, and what modifications are recommended for further use.
Choosing the best media selection model, from the more than 30 available, requires a careful matching between model capabilities and unique program requirements. Once selected, some modifications to meet specific program requirements may be necessary. For the AFPATS GBTS, the AIMS model offered the flexibility to add or delete as many as 30 candidate media and 192 instructional characteristics. The media weighting factors and the use of program-specific instructional characteristics used in the AFPATS program are discussed in this paper.
The AIMS model maximizes the use of pertinent information by automating the non-judgmental, data manipulation tasks of the media selection process. User-definable media pools and editing functions provide flexibility in adapting the model to specific problems and changing technologies. In addition, the user-definable aspect allows for inclusion of any instructional characteristic. The flexibility in defining the data manipulation can account for wide variations in the depth of front-end analysis to be accomplished.
Use of the AIMS model for the AFPATS GBTS allowed for assessing various instructional media for psycho-motor and cognitive skills. This was accomplished through program modifications that separated performance objectives from knowledge-based objectives. The flexibility in programming the reports' function was very useful in analyzing candidate media from different perspectives.
The paper presentation associated with this abstract is presented with a demonstration of the automated software used to employ the AIMS media matrix algorithms. The automated software and AIMS modeling are available through the government.