A Framework for Model-Based Adaptive Training

Training Specification Framework

The initial specification framework for this research work is shown in Figure 1-2. After a specification of training problem requirements, a detailed analysis splits into three separate areas for: (a) a specification of the tasks a trainee is expected to learn; (b) the specification of expertise and (c) a specification of the target trainees.

These specifications are mapped to a training system design in order to define the appropriate training approach and a definition of the knowledge to be managed by the training units. The system specification then splits into a detailed design for realisation of the trainer agent and expert agent(s) which are shown in the training system architecture of Figure 1-1. The design of the user interfaces and specialised training tools (e.g., flowcharting of skeleton training plans or domain simulation tools) is not covered here. This research work is expanding the general framework from Figure 1-2 into specification and realisation methods for the implementation of a set of training agents with a model-based adaptive training approach.

Figure 1- 2 Training System Specification Framework

Considerable emphasis is placed on the practicalities of the specification design and development framework. Application research is presented in Chapter 4, 5 and 6. The experiments have been chosen to be of sufficient complexity to prove the diversity of the training system framework (i.e., to show the range of applicability) and to define the factors and subtle issues to be considered in the framework. The experiments presented in this research work have been performed in parallel with the MOBIT project demonstrators.

Demonstrator Systems

The following MOBIT project demonstrator guidelines have been employed:

1. the demonstrators will employ practical industrial applications within the project timescales;
2. training domains are being chosen which are sufficiently rich to validate training system characteristics; and,
3. the project should cover a significant portion of the development lifecycle.

The main application area for the demonstrators is industrial operator training. The MOBIT demonstrator domains are a water treatment facility at Scottish Nuclear and manufacturing workmanship at Digital. Better operator training ultimately results in many benefits. Benefits identified by the demonstrators include:

• facilitate new products with faster introduction and distribution of training material to production operators;
• full-time availability of operator support;
• a training system which is always available for revision;
• higher productivity of training support people with expertise sharing and preservation (of the best knowledge) of training subject knowledge;
• training available for operator shifts provides reduced training cost and a consistency which results in higher product quality; and,
• the use of profiles and objectives allows operators to both pace themselves and go into as much or as little depth as they choose on the subject matter, depending on their needs, ability, motivation and experience, delivering truly personalised training supporting different operator learning styles.