AN EXPLORATION OF TRAINING ALTERNATIVES

Abstract

In an effort to address the Navy’s attempts to incorporate greater distributed learning experiences and achieve gains in learning effectiveness, this project explores training alternatives to the traditional classroom model for accession training. The training alternatives examined include distance learning, learning in groups, learning with virtual reality, and learning by teaching. For each alternative, I discuss the relative strengths and weaknesses as compared to the traditional face-to-face classroom-based training model. To support decision making toward acquisition and incorporation of these alternatives into future instructional design, I recommend on-site assessments to address the efficacy of meeting training objectives, resources used, and the potential impacts on Fleet readiness.