The Joint ADL CoLab in Orlando, FL, in conjunction with Intelligent Automation, Inc. in Rockville, MD, is conducting research to include the use of High Level Architecture (HLA)-compliant simulations for on-line instruction and assessment. This research focuses on developing instructional paradigms, training-specific data structures and communication methods between a simulation, Shareable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM)-based instructional content, and a Learning Management System (LMS), to facilitate using simulation as an environment where an individual or a team can practice a skill (instruction) or demonstrate their level of performing the skill (performance assessment). An individual can practice a team skill in an environment where other trainees are practicing, or where other team members' functions are simulated by autonomous agents. A benefit is that the outcome of instruction can be assessed as a combination of knowledge, measured by objective testing, and performance, measured by the simulation.

This effort has technical and pedagogical challenges. Technically, the challenge is to develop a seamless interface between components conforming to different standards, a SCORM-compliant LMS and a HLA- compliant simulation. This requires design and development of Run-Time Infrastructure (RTI) adaptors and supporting data structures for distributed communication between the simulation federates and the LMS. Pedagogically, the challenge is to integrate the simulation into a rich instructional environment combining SCORM-based didactic instruction, interactive instruction and simulation.

The Discrete Event Simulation environment is currently developed to train Air Traffic Flow Coordinators in collaborative regional flow control (CRFC), using a simulation developed for NASA. This simulation trains ATFC's to optimize constraints on air traffic and their duration, related to system throughput, system-wide delay and controller workload. The result is a measure of efficiency in airspace utilization.