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Showing posts with the label military training

Using Adaptive Learning In Civilian and Military Education

Adaptive learning is a methodology that has been applied to both civilian and military usage. Students engaging in adaptive training learn and growth through a sequence of difficulties and feedback that help them build better models of the materials and then apply knowledge to solving problems. A study of adaptive learning in the military found that certain personalities are more able to capitalize off of adaptive learning (Spain, Pries & Murphy, 2012). As human beings we learn from our experience and from our social networks. We adapt and change to the environment around us. As new challenges and struggles make their way into our consciousness we continue to find ways to overcome them. As each new struggle and mastery occurs new knowledge is created.  The same methodology that occurs in our natural environment can also occur in civilian and military education. With the advent of online education it is possible to create adaptive training that becomes increasingly more difficu

Improving Robotics and Human Intelligence through Online Education

Human intelligence takes a heightened position in the modern age as the use of robotic rescue equipment offers emerging opportunities to enhance military capabilities. Human intelligence matched with robotic equipment creates stronger interfaces between the two that extends human capabilities. Petrisor, et. al. (2013) discusses how e-learning in a digitized battlefield creates cooperation between human and artificial intelligence in obtaining higher performance.  The idea for developing learning and adapting machines was first introduced in the 1950’s by BF Skinner who wrote The Science of Learning and the Art of Teaching as well as Teaching Machines . As a behavioral psychologist he developed a machine that not only was intrinsically rewarding to students but also rewarded them externally for correct answers.  The use of machines as well as the platform by which students learn has radically improved. Online learning can do much more than Skinner’s early experiments and n

How E-Learning is Changing the Nature of Combat

A Patriot Breeze by Dr. M. Abel Technology is here to stay while the development of higher levels of skill to effectively handle that technology is important.   A paper by Eparu & Atanasiu (2014) discusses the need to raise technological abilities through online training by encouraging higher levels of military systems development. The human ability to develop strategy and make political decisions is enhanced through proper systems and technological knowledge that allow for a more collaborative response to threats.  The nature of the battlefield has changed. Data and information can be drawn from thousands of data points to understand the situation and the potential for threat. Understanding how data can lead to better conclusions of current and future activities is important for improved performance.  The far majority of militaries are simply not prepared to measure, collect and properly use new information effectively. Misinterpretations of the data, improper mea

Encouraging Stronger Leadership with the ALDS Program

Military training principles are often used in both the military and corporate world to varying degrees of success. They are intense programs designed to test the very nature and central identity of individuals. Lt. Colonel Beurskens discusses the nature and benefit of the 2013 Army Leader Development Strategy (ALDS) that develops critical and creative thinking that solves problems.  ALDS uses training, experience, and education to create operational, institutional, and developmental spheres of leadership enhancement. Programs offer opportunities to blur the lines between these three spheres to develop something stronger.  In 2010 the U.S. Army Combined Armed Center tested the success of the program to develop captains that have technical, tactical, knowledge, and skills to lead company size units and work within battalions and brigade staffs.  They found that there is no substitute for a high quality leader in small group functions. Likewise, curriculum must be upda

Using Career Oriented Academic Knowledge to Raise Military Functionality

The nature of the military is changing and so are the training needs. Dr. Rutherford moves into a discussion of the needs of training in the Australian Army and the specific training at the Royal Military College (2013). His article focuses on the enhancement of specific career skills to support the command and control functions. The complexity of military operations requires the development of different types of talents that may not fit exclusively into command and control learning style.  Modern warfare is different than it was in the past. It requires higher technology, logistical systems, abstract thinking and greater functionality. Command and control functions are based in the learning of skill of the position above and below in combat functions. This focus in the military is necessary but also may be forcing those with the relevant skills out of the military and thereby decreasing knowledge retention.  Combat is the main function but the ability to maintain combat i