DURIP Training Optimization for US Navy and Marine Radio Operations to Assess Cognitive Load and the Managing Extraneous Load
Abstract
Abstract -- Approved for Public ReleaseONR N00014-23-1-2298 from Program Officer Ms. Natalie Steinhauser In adaptive training, real-time assessment of attentional states such as mental workload, offer the potential to identify when extraneous cognitive load or lack of engagement with materials might be having deleterious effects on learning. Such an approach would have high value in military training contexts. However, recognizing overload or inattention alone is insufficient if this cannot be linked to immediate changes in the approach to instruction. This research will examine how to dynamically couple measures of cognitive workload and attentional engagement with the augmented reality head-mounted display that can deliver Navy-relevant training materials via the visual integration of information into the systems and operations being learned.Efforts to continuously improve training for the US Navy and US Marines (as well as other military branches) continue to be critical. The existing Office of Naval Research (ONR) award (N00014-23-1-2298) led by the principal investigators in this DURIP, titled #Assessing Cognitive Load and Managing Extraneous Load to Optimize Training,# will yield advances in the training of warfighters. The existing award N00014-23-1-2298 will examine when learning might benefit from reducing overload or from enhancing engagement to improve training efficiency, durability, and generalizability; and will develop interventions within virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) that can dynamically adjust training materials to achieve such outcomes. The project will concurrently develop real-time assessments of relevant cognitive states using physiological measurements, including electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The goal is to create a system that combines measures of the trainee#s current cognitive state with approaches that could move learning towards optimal outcomes and then immediately implement those within VR or AR materials.The current ONR DURIP proposal seeks infrastructure funds to improve training for Marines and sailors using AR/VR with Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs). Radio communication training is the initial use case selected for this ONR DURIP proposal. We will accomplish this by developing multiple radio communication scenarios in VR. In addition, we will extend to AR systems where people could train using 3D printed radios with the virtual objects superimposed, creating a realistic scenario but very adaptable to multiple radio systems. Both systems provide a faster way to train people in complex radio operations. While the system will be developed to enhance training, the research concentrates on reducing superfluous effort during learning (i.e., extraneous load) and lack of engagement. The use of AR and VR has other advantages. Such advantages include not taking away radios from operational use for training use and creating virtual materials that, unlike real electronics, cannot be broken through mishandling or incorrect setup.The funds requested in this proposal will be used to purchase additional AR and VR systems andphysiological measurement devices. These will significantly enhance the research productivity ofour group on this current project and future projects of military relevance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 15, 2024
- Source ID
- N000142412214
Entities
People
- Francisco Ortega
Organizations
- Colorado State University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy