Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
This chapter describes a simulation-based approach to cultural competency training
realized in the Alelo family of training products. It is intended to help learners who
may not be cultural specialists to quickly develop cultural skills they need to be
effective in intercultural settings. This includes the knowledge and skills necessary to
handle common situations involving intercultural interactions, as well as the
adaptability needed to cope with unexpected intercultural interactions. Crucially, it
utilizes simulations of intercultural situations that trainees are likely to encounter in
the course of carrying out their jobs or missions, which helps trainees develop the
skills and confidence necessary to apply intercultural skills in those situations. The
approach also supports the assessment of intercultural competence by testing trainees
in simulated intercultural encounters.
The approach makes use of a number of innovative technologies, but most
importantly immersive game and artificial intelligence technologies. Immersive game
technologies are used to simulate the intercultural encounters that serve as the context
for skills training. Artificial intelligence technology is employed to create interactive
computer characters that can engage in dialog with the learners, in a culturally
appropriate way.
2 Example Courses
Many users of Alelo courses are members of military services around the world, who
require training in cross-cultural communication skills so that they can perform
missions overseas, such as reconstruction and humanitarian assistance, and work
together with coalition military partners. Fig. 1 shows a scene from one such course,
the US version of the Operational Dari language and culture trainer. Operational Dari
includes interactive lessons that teach task-relevant communication skills and
interactive scenarios in which learners can practice those skills. In the example in the
figure, the learner, playing the character on the left, is engaged in a meeting with the
elders in an Afghan village. He needs to develop rapport with the elders in order to
gain their trust and cooperation. To play the scenario, the learner must speak into the
microphone in Dari, speaking phrases appropriate for his or her character in the
scenario, and the non-player characters respond accordingly. The dialog history is
shown in the top center of the figure. This is a relatively advanced scenario; more
elementary modules and scenarios help trainees who initially have no knowledge of
Dari get to the point where they can engage in such conversations with confidence.
We also develop learning materials for other platforms to provide comprehensive,
anywhere-anytime learning and refresher training. We deliver interactive lesson
content on iPods and other handheld devices. This can be used either as a low-cost
self-contained learning tool or as a refresher practice supplement. We have also
developed an artificial intelligence plug-in for popular immersive multi-player
training environments, making it possible to populate virtual worlds with artificially
intelligent characters playing a range of different roles. This makes it possible to
integrate language and culture training seamlessly with other types of job training.
