Advanced Equipment Maintenance Training Using Revolutionary Video Game Technology Navy SBIR FY2006.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2006.2 Topic No.: N06-100 Topic Title: Advanced Equipment Maintenance Training Using Revolutionary Video Game Technology Proposal No.: N062-100-0491 Firm: Breakaway, Ltd. 10150 York Road Suite 250 Hunt Valley, Maryland 21030 Contact: Lucien Parsons Phone: (410) 316-9217 Web Site: www.breakawaygames.com Abstract: Much web-based training that has been used by the military requires the trainee to grind through pages full of text while using common webpage controls. The result has proven to be largely unchallenging and uninteresting training that provides a questionable level of memory retention. This proposal describes a method for delivering a video-game based training tool that incorporates proven skills analysis with state-of-the-art brainwave monitoring technology allowing for more accurate assessments, a shorter learning curve and a significantly longer level of retention. As video games have become prevalent within our society, game based training tools have found a growing interest within the military community. Phase I will design the necessary system architecture and identify the appropriate prototype candidate to provide the military with "real-life" equipment training in an engaging and cost-effective synthetic environment. The system will control task difficulty and will score the trainee on the amount of time on a given task along with the amount of resources used to complete that task. The game system will combine the resources of BreakAway, Ltd. (BA), RTI International (RTI), and CyberLearning Technology, LLC (CLT), collectively, The Team, leaders in their respective fields of serious games, maintenance simulation training, and neurofeedback technology. Benefits: Many studies have shown that passive learning, as with the text-infused web-based training, produces moderately successful results. In contrast, learning-by-doing, as implemented using the technologies described in this proposal enables trainees to come away from their training with a more proficient and stable knowledge of the subject and with established skills. Further, by combining RTI's expertise in maintenance training analysis and simulation with BreakAway's advanced gaming technology, the new training system will offer the potential of a greater level of subject knowledge within a fun and enticing synthetic environment. Finally, incorporating CLT's neural sensing technology offers the benefit of improved cognitive functioning. The technology stemming from this proposal, after further Phase II prototype development will ideally be available throughout the DoD, as well as to the consumer where it can be used within the civilian maintenance training arena, schools, businesses and even enjoyed at home. Return