I/ITSEC Day 2

Activities from Day 2 at I/ITSEC:

1. Best Practices for 3D Procedural Animation - This was a paper session presented by NGrain. The best practices included: letting the SMEs do the animation, compress the animation for light-weight delivery, model orientation should be done on the table or ground, consistency (in model rotation, view angle, textual call-outs, etc.), use audio for multi-sensory absorption, and include interactivity and practice. They also mentioned that one of the true benefits of 3D models is the "Transparent View" that allows users to see inside the model. They also found that transparency works better than highlighting certain parts.

2. Attack on Learning Styles...Again - I went to yet another paper session that discussed whether or not learning styles exist (see my previous post on this topic). The presenters echoed the learning style skeptics' claims that the research does not support the claims people are attributing to learning styles. Specifically, they found that 1) there is no compelling empirical evidence that matching a style to instructional strategy or teaching style increases learning, 2) a discussion of learning styles may provide a common language for discussing learning, and 3) the nature of the task, learner's prior experience, and understanding of how the content will be used are keys for design.

3. DoD Training: Impact of Gaming Technologies - I then sat through a rather large panel on the impact of Gaming Technologies. I emphasize "rather large" because Mark Oehlert and I were bemoaning when there needed to be 9 panelists. Especially when they were all saying pretty much the same thing (interoperability, security, tools for customization, etc. are all needed). 9 panelists = 1 and 1/2 hour session. Worse than that...9 panelists = 9 answers during the Q&A. Those issues removed, it was still good to see the interest that the military and industry has in leveraging video game technology.

The day also included a lot of walking on the expo floor and some after hour receptions with colleagues.