In recent years, the training community has shown an increased interest in techniques for integrating distributed learning and simulation-based training. BBN, together with its sponsor, the Joint ADL Co-Lab, has implemented an architecture that supports both traditional, SCORM-based training, and experiential, simulation-based training. This architecture allows integration of traditional didactic and experiential content, makes it easier for content developers to integrate new training content, improves ease-of-use for the student, and improves training value. The architecture focuses on two components: the SCORM Run-Time Environment, and a new Distributed Training Event Coordination Service (DTECS). While the SCORM Run-Time Environment launches and records student performance on traditional, didactic content, the DTECS coordinates configuring, launching, and reporting results from simulation-based training systems. This separation of function allows the DTECS to handle the unique requirements of simulation-based training. The architecture uses the W3C web services standards (including XML, SOAP, and Web Services Description Language) to provide communications among the SCORM Run-Time Environment, the DTECS, and the training systems. The use of web services provides an open, reliable, and extensible distributed architecture. This architecture supports the development of independent components, such as user databases, content repositories, and assessment engines, which can be easily integrated with existing components through web services. The integration of didactic and experiential training is supported not only in the architecture, but also in the selection and configuration of training content. A student's performance on didactic content informs the selection and configuration of experiential training systems. Likewise, the student's performance in experiential training drives the selection of new or remedial didactic content. This coupling improves the training value for students by providing opportunities to practice what they have just learned, and to remediate in precisely the areas in which they have demonstrated a lack of understanding.
A Web Service Architecture for Integrating Didactic and Experiential Learning
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