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 Applying Learning Methodologies to JSIMS Development The Joint Simulation System (JSIMS) is the Department of Defense's next-generation, large-scale constructive wargaming system. It offers an integrated environment for Joint service training. While advances in technology have proceeded at a headlong pace, few efforts have targeted how best to apply these advances in a learning environment. MITRE is expanding work in learning technologies within the JSIMS-chartered Learning Methodologies Working Group (LMWG). The LMWG task is to ensure that JSIMS can support existing and advancing learning methodologies techniques. One of the fundamental challenges has been how to advance JSIMS's mature development process without significantly affecting the development costs and schedules. There are 31 functional capabilities that describe the sets of training audiences JSIMS must support through final operational concept. These run the full gamut of training from Joint Task Force commander to a battalion-level training audience for the Army. Because of the broad range of support requirements, JSIMS will be a significant advance in modeling and simulation technology providing a broad range of resolution, fidelity and abstraction, depending on its specific use. As stated in JSIMS Subsystem Spec. (SSS), "JSIMS is not one simulation capable of supporting all of the uses described in the Functional Capabilities (FCs) and all uses between; rather, it is a set of modules capable of being composed into simulations that support these specific uses."
Learning Methodologies Application: USAF C4I Interface Prioritization MITRE proposed and assisted the JSIMS Air & Space development contractor in executing a learning-methods-based approach to determine which of the many USAF C4I systems need to be integrated into JSIMS training. Several sources of conflicting and overlapping requirements documents needed clarification in a systematic manner. Our approach is diagramed in Figure 1. We started developing more detailed definitions of USAF training audiences. To meet time constraints, we focused on the USAF "first use" of JSIMS. Next, we identified the C4I systems used by those training audience members. To further refine the C4I system and format recommendations, we conducted a high-level task analysis based on input from baseline documentation and USAF personnel who have simulation center training experience. To determine the required level of simulation fidelity and resolution to adequately stimulate the C4I components, we are continuing to identify what crucial information needs to flow between the training audience and JSIMS. This work highlights the importance of developing training systems based on the needs of the audience. A complete analysis of needs requires a determination of the target skills to be taught and a specification of how skills performance will be measured. Learning Methodologies Application: System Level Use Cases A high-impact effort is beginning within the JSIMS enterprise. This effort proposes adopting a set of system level use cases (SLUC) within the JSIMS object-oriented process. These SLUCs are conceptually similar to those defined by standard object-oriented design techniques using an "Actor" performing an "Action" with a "Subject" construct. The first proposed SLUC, based on typical training Event Life Cycle (ELC SLUC), is currently under consideration by the JSIMS Analysis and Integration Team. There is a remarkable resemblance between the ELC SLUC entries and the steps shown in the Learning Methodology Process Model. Figure 2 shows the proposed process flow from the Learning Methodology model to the development of SLUCs and, subsequently, linkage to the lower-level use cases being developed. This hierarchical connection of system use cases will give developers, users and testers a much needed system view of JSIMS. As the system-level use cases are developed and matured, they will supply a systematic method for developing two other important aspects of the JSIMS learning system: an event control abstract model, and an operational abstract model. Event control is the entity within an exercise that provides control and data gathering during a JSIMS event (much like a teacher in a classroom) while the operational abstract model is conceptually similar to a "game board" with "rules" for playing the game. Abstract descriptions must be constructed to assist software developers to understand what they are modeling. Figure 3 depicts the connection of these two aspects, plus the already specified training audience (from the JSIMS SSS), to the learning model. The application of Learning Methodologies, combined with the development of the system-level use cases, is providing an enhanced system vision for JSIMS. Figure 4 is a view of JSIMS development with these pieces shown in a proposed form of learning methodology and its connection to the system-level use cases. Integrating learning methodologies techniques with the JSIMS enterprise is crucial to ensure the development of a training system to support the diversified training audience. An important component to providing a formal process for learning methodologies to positively affect the JSIMS development process is the use of system-level use cases. For more information, please contact Robert Bolling using the employee directory. |
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