An essential element of a technology-based training environment is the ability to provide focused training to improve the performance of small teams, allowing the exercise of independent operations at increasingly lower echelons and developing their proficiency in the use of net-centric information1. Further, the training environment must be relevant to the current and future Department of Defense (DOD) training pipeline, digital natives, providing an immersive, media-rich training environment that stimulates cognitive, intuitive, innovative and adaptive thinking and hones complex decision-making skills as a group.
The Small Group Scenario Trainer (SGST) is a small group training tool using web technology that incorporates storytelling scenario introductions, real time remediation, advanced sequencing, learning content navigation and use of avatars for the purpose of stimulating critical thinking and learning while practicing within a team environment. SGST uses the latest web technology to enable distributed team training via the Joint Knowledge Online (JKO) global training platform, complementing existing collective mission rehearsal exercises and assisting battle staffs and small groups with problem solving as it facilitates the learning of contingency planning and course of action analysis. This paper describes how the technical and pedagogical challenges were identified, met and overcome to develop and deploy a web-based small group training capability. The paper provides: a description of the interactive capabilities that teach creative thinking skills to address problems encountered during virtual sessions that are developed specifically using mission-based, simulated scenarios; the framework approach allowing for reusable and flexible scenario creation, making it easily extensible for rapid mission-based, scenario simulation development; the training job aides using file sharing, video viewing and collaboration; and the challenges of developing and integrating an immersive trainer into the Joint Knowledge Online (JKO).