Semi-Automated Part-Task Trainer Prototype Development Environment

In this Phase I SBIR research, we proved the feasibility of a semi-automated part-task trainer PTT prototype development environment. In this effort, we set out to address the shortfalls of traditional PTTs and to introduce new concepts into the PTT prototyping process. The research developed innovative rapid prototyping techniques for the development of PTT prototypes. These techniques are leveraged upon the state-of-the-art software engineering methodologies of component oriented programming COP, distributed objects, and visual development environments. This means our environment will maximize software reuse and support a number of COTS tools. This innovation will result in a dramatically reduced cost of PTT prototype development and maintenance. Further, prototypes built with this system will employ intelligent tutoring systems ITSs which tailor training programs based on detailed mental models of the students. Techniques for defining ITSs using the COP paradigm were designed during this project. Finally, the prototyping environment enables the development of PTTs which take full advantage of intranets and the Internet. This enables features such as distributed simulations, team training, and student monitoring utilities to be integrated into PTT prototypes. A proof-of-concept prototype was developed to demonstrate the key concepts and a full operational system was designed.