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A common framework for learning software lays foundation for deploying sophisticated knowledge management technologies.
A program designed by the U.S. Defense Department will provide the military and federal government with the latest online study techniques by developing software standards and promoting the use of new technologies. Known as advanced distributed learning, the initiative aims at offering the highest quality schooling that can be tailored to meet individual needs and delivered cost-effectively wherever and whenever required.
If U.S. military deployment and commitment experiences in the 1990s serve as an indicator. the 21st century will see continued overseas involvement for U.S. forces, either individually or as part of joint multinational operations. Speed is a growing factor as units Must deploy more rapidly to trouble spots. U.S. Arm), Chief of Staff Gen. Eric K. Shinseki, USA. told Congress last year that in the near future, the Army will be able to deploy a medium-sized combat brigade in 96 hours, a division in 120 hours and five divisions in 30 days. However, the increased tempo also means that traditional ways of honing individual and unit skills for such operations become impractical.
Launched in November 1997, the goal of the advanced distributed learning (ADL) initiative is to accelerate large-scale development of dynamic and cost-effective learning software and stimulate a market for these products that will meet military and national work force education and training needs in the next century. Part of a wider government drive that includes efforts such as the federal training technology initiative, these programs all seek to use the power of learning technologies to extend the reach of educators and trainers.
According to Michael Parmentier, director of readiness and training, Office of the Secretary of Defense. when the groundwork vas being laid for the program, the possibility of privatizing government and military education was examined; however, merely swapping a private sector instructor for a government one would not save any money. he says, Instead the Pentagon-based organization decided to look at the large number of technolo(lies that the private sector was using for education and training.
The strategy that evolved has a number of targets: exploit existing network-based technologies; create platform-neutral, reuseable courseware and content to lower costs; promote widespread collaboration between participants to satisfy...