Effectiveness of Interactive Videodisc in Army Communications Training / John D. Winkler and J. Michael Polich.

This report presents the results of RAND research conducted at the U.S. Army Signal Center, Fort Gordon, Georgia, to evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive videodisc (IVD) system used to facilitate training in a variety of military occupational specialities. The objectives of the study were to: (1) develop a methodology for assessing the instructional effectiveness of IVD technology, which links a microcomputer and laser videodisc to provide interactive instruction with high-resolution video displays; (2) apply the methodology to evaluate the benefits of an IVD training system used in communications training; and (3) provide a general model for assessing related training technologies in a broad range of courses and environments throughout the defense community. This report documents two RAND studies which compared the effects of hands-on equipment training with IVD training to determine the effectiveness of IVD in specific types of training and the transfer of that training to new situations. Discussions of issues raised by these studies in regard to how IVD technology may be used most appropriately in other training applications and training conditions conclude the report. (56 references) (DB)

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