Immersive Naval Officer Training System (INOTS)

2010-present
Project Leader: Matthew Trimmer

The Immersive Naval Officer Training System (INOTS) is a blended learning environment that merges traditional classroom instruction with a mixed reality training setting. INOTS supports the instruction, practice and assessment of interpersonal communication skills.

INOTS leverages ICT’s research in virtual human technologies and expertise developing mixed reality training environments. INOTS incorporates evidence-based educational techniques, such as guided practice, with realistic scenarios to focus on the critical leadership components of communication, such as interpersonal communication skills. Adopting an innovative approach to direct instruction, INOTS utilizes classroom enhancement tools, such as student response systems, combined with virtual human role-players, to compliment traditional methods in instruction, discussion and evaluation. Its current focus is on supplementing the Division Officer Leadership Course (DOLC) at the Officer Training Command Newport (OTCN), where it will better prepare them to interact with and counsel their subordinates.

The INOTS project provides ICT and its academic and U.S. Navy collaborators with a unique opportunity to test the effectiveness of virtual human technology and mixed reality training systems when teaching and practicing core leadership skills, such as interpersonal communication. The INOTS experience will feature human-to-virtual human interaction, based on ICT’s unique research competency. The virtual human subordinate will mimic real human emotions and tension to reflect relevant, contemporary interpersonal issues, as identified by U.S. Navy subject matter experts. In each scenario the character will verbally interact with the Sailor, exhibiting gestures and other non-verbal behaviors. Through this interaction, the Sailor must resolve an authentic and complex problem in a timely and effective manner while instructors and fellow Sailors observe the performance.

INOTS instructor tools help manage the learning experience without sacrificing throughput because INOTS is intended to supplement both group and individual training. The system is designed to maximize the effect of vicarious learning through classroom response technology and facilitator-guided discussion. INOTS will support consistent presentation of concepts, rehearsal, part and whole task practice, allowing facilitators to target the development of specific skills. Information gathered during sessions can be recalled and analyzed to provide Sailors and their facilitators with an increased understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, and subsequently indicate areas for review. In addition to providing a consistent practice environment, the scenarios in the mixed reality environment have the flexibility to be re-authored in the future, thereby keeping the training experiences fresh and relevant.