Learning the Cognitive Skill of Topographic Map Reading Through Adaptive, High-Repetition Training

Paul J. Reber*, Evan Grandoit, Kevin D. Schmidt, Thomas C. Dixon, Caelie P. McRobert

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The Cognitive Expertise through Repetition-Enhanced Simulation (CERES) project is aimed to provide a novel approach to accelerating the development of expertise in topographic map reading skill. Practice at this complex cognitive skill is accomplished through rapid-paced, simulation-based training events with a large procedurally generated database of training content items to provide continuing novel challenges. On each short training event, participants are presented with simultaneous views of a novel topographic map and a video render of first-person perspective movement through the terrain. The trainee goal is to identify what position on the map is reflected by the movement clip. Trainee performance level was continually assessed during training and the difficulty of training content was adjusted adaptively to enhance learning and maintain engagement and motivation with the training task. Data are reported from a sample of naïve online participants (n = 37, 169 h of total training) who acquired topographic map reading skill based on their experience with the CERES protocol. Participants without any prior topographic map reading training or experience nevertheless exhibited improved performance over training. In addition, a substantial subgroup also demonstrated very high levels of engagement and motivation with the training protocol. We conclude that the approach of rapid-paced training to induce practice with a complex cognitive skill can be administered in an individualized adaptive manner to accelerate the development of skilled expertise.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAdaptive Instructional Systems. Design and Evaluation - Third International Conference, AIS 2021, Held as Part of the 23rd HCI International Conference, HCII 2021, Proceedings
EditorsRobert A. Sottilare, Jessica Schwarz
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Pages88-104
Number of pages17
ISBN (Print)9783030778569
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021
Event3rd International Conference on Adaptive Instructional Systems, AIS 2021, Held as Part of the 23rd HCI International Conference, HCII 2021 - Virtual, Online
Duration: Jul 24 2021Jul 29 2021

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics)
Volume12792 LNCS
ISSN (Print)0302-9743
ISSN (Electronic)1611-3349

Conference

Conference3rd International Conference on Adaptive Instructional Systems, AIS 2021, Held as Part of the 23rd HCI International Conference, HCII 2021
CityVirtual, Online
Period7/24/217/29/21

Keywords

  • Adaptive training
  • Cognitive skill learning
  • Topographic map reading

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Theoretical Computer Science
  • General Computer Science

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