Elizabeth G. Gibson, Ph.D.
Mei Technology Corporation
San Antonio, TX

Major Hal Clark
AL/HRTT
Brooks AFB, TX

The focus of this symposium on distance education is on the critical role of instructional systems research and development and how new technologies can be used to enhance the instructional design process, interactivity, collaboration, evaluation, and just-in-time training. The six papers in this symposium represent the views and experiences of researchers and practitioners involved in the military, industry, and academia. There are several common threads of research interests and practical applications. For example, collaborative networks for military training (Lamb & Schrum) and private industry (Reesman) are discussed in terms of developing courseware and other group projects. Effective teaching and learning techniques in real-time, multipoint, interactive video and audio communications are evaluated in military training in Jones' and Main's papers. Finally, Bennett, Yadrick and McNelly, and Schall talk about the effectiveness of a variety of advanced communication technologies to automate technical training development and delivery.

The first paper, by Ted Lamb and Lynne Schrum considers computer networks as instructional and collaborative distance learning environments. They describe a major research project at the Air Force Academy to explore the use of groupware. Preliminary data on the nature of differences in interaction in synchronous and asynchronous modes, gender effects, identification of obstacles to learning, and examination of hardware and software characteristics contributing to learning on-line are discussed. The second paper by Keith Schall, describes the Army's two interlinked digital networks, the Teletraining Network and the Satellite Education Network. As connections to ISDN, the Internet and asynchronous transfer mode expand, and desktop video is integrated into networks, further research will determine the relative effectiveness of satellite and terrestrial communications in terms of job performance, management, functionality, and responding to users' requirements. Jean Jones presents the third paper on the Navy's video teletraining system, in particular, the progressive implementation of the network, factors that contribute to effective teaching, and future initiatives for the CNET Electronic Schoolhouse Network.

The fourth paper is presented by Martha Reesman of the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences. She describes the NCMS Distance Learning Project in terms of a collaborative team approach in three areas: 1) technology interoperability; 2) instructional design guidelines; and 3) identification and development of short technical courses. The fifth paper, by Bob Main, California State University, Chico, is on evaluating an interactive multimedia distance learning system used to teach psychomotor and cognitive learning objectives. Also tested were system software and hardware set-up, operations procedures, and lesson delivery. Winston Bennett, Robert Yadrick, and Theresa MeNelly present the sixth paper on current evaluation design issues with reference to using distance learning technologies to assess trainee performance. They report on the challenges and pitfalls associated with systematic training evaluation in two innovative distance learning applications.

All of these papers are relevant to the U.S. Air Force Armstrong Laboratory's research project on interactive multimedia distance learning, managed by Major Hal Clark, to develop and test a PC-based distance learning system capable of two-way video, audio and data using broadband computer networks. The Armstrong Laboratory is directing research and development capabilities to:) design a prototype distance learning environment; 2) analyze the instructional design and development process, and; 3) conduct a comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of three instructional delivery modes. The evaluation component is scheduled to begin next spring. Distance education has already shown great potential for practical, efficient and cost-effective technical applications and just-in-time training, especially in the new strearnlined military environment. Further research on the human factors of instructional systems development and the effects of advanced technologies on learning processes is crucial for designing effective training programs.