Crowdsourced Acquisition of Models of Learning Transfer Strategies (CRAM-LESS) Navy STTR FY2015.A Sol No.: Navy STTR FY2015.A Topic No.: N15A-T013 Topic Title: Crowdsourced Acquisition of Models of Learning Transfer Strategies (CRAM-LESS) Proposal No.: N15A-013-0026 Firm: Charles River Analytics Inc. 625 Mount Auburn Street Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 Contact: James Niehaus Phone: (617) 491-3474 Abstract: The current generation of US students needs a stronger base in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) principles, an understanding of how these principles relate to the real world, and the ability to transfer these principles to tomorrow's science and engineering challenges. The Navy's use of science and technology is increasing, and a lack of STEM-ready applicants could lead to a potential talent crisis. The Navy is exploring the application of intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs) to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of future training. Key to both the learning of STEM principles and the application of those principles to real world problems is the concept of learning transfer, which current ITSs do not explicitly model in a structured and theoretically founded manner. To address this need, we propose to design and demonstrate a system for Crowdsourced Acquisition of Models of Learning Transfer Strategies (CRAM-LESS). The CRAM-LESS system features (1) a theoretically grounded model of learning transfer in real-time, procedural tasks; (2) a gamified crowdsourcing methodology using both expert input and learner performance data; (3) a crowdsourcing software infrastructure that enables problem distribution and crowd data collection; and (4) probabilistic reasoning to create robust models of transfer from noisy crowdsourced data. Benefits: We expect the full-scope CRAM-LESS to have immediate and tangible benefit in the development of multiple military training programs and systems, and to also benefit academic and educational institutions. CRAM-LESS will enable better transfer of learning among STEM subjects, speeding learner uptake, as well as transfer to real-world applications. Commercially, the results of this effort are well positioned to significantly impact STEM education technologies, a multi-billion dollar market in the US alone. Return