Intelligent Tutoring Systems for ‘trained Novices’: Building Expertise in Mode Management

Economic pressures typically necessitate adoption of training approaches and programs that produce competent performance in limited time. These approaches often lead to differences between the level of performance of a newly trained pilot, a ‘trained’ novice, and an expert pilot. This paper describes two computer-based training systems, the VNAV Tutor and the Case-Based Mode Management Tutor, designed to address such differences by integrating advanced computer-based training techniques, such as intelligent tutoring systems and case-based teaching, with part-task simulation. Using a computer to present knowledge within a simulation environment allows a training system to illustrate knowledge in context and to help pilots integrate knowledge through practice. Such systems build pilot expertise without the expense of dedicated training personnel or expensive simulators, and hence, may effectively and economically facilitate the transition from trained novice to expert.