Distributed Training for the Reserve Component: Remote Delivery Using Asynchronous Computer Conferencing

Abstract

Abstract : This report evaluates the cost effectiveness of using Asynchronous Computer Conferencing (ACC) techniques to provide high quality, remotely delivered training to the U.S. Army Reserve Component (RC) and develops guidelines for effectively conducting such training. The evaluation used a portion of the Engineer Officer Advanced Course (EOAC) as a test bed. Course materials that taught the same content presented in the resident course were developed for remote, asynchronous presentation. This delivery system was called the System for Managing Asynchronous Remote Training (SMART). The efficacy of remote presentation was compared to that of the resident program with regard to throughput, performance, acceptability, and cost. The current state of RC training and the potential for remote training were described, as was previous research on remote learning. A summative evaluation was used to determine cost- effectiveness compared to resident training. A formative evaluation and literature review were used to develop guidelines for conducting ACC training.