Virtual Reality Training of Hierarchically Structured
Human Operator Skills

R. W. Allen, D. T. McRuer
Systems Technology, Inc.
Email: rwallen@systemstech.com FAX: 310-644-3887

The human operator must exert hierarchically structured skills in controlling 
systems such as aeronautical and ground vehicles. These skills, which 
include perceptual, psychomotor and cognitive functions required in vehicle 
navigation, guidance and control, must be applied competently by the 
human operator to maintain system safety and performance. In complex systems 
this competence must be acquired through training and experience, and 
efficient training methods are desirable to achieve cost effective instruction. 
Virtual reality (VR) is finding increasing application in cost 
effective training applications to teach the full range of human operator skills 
required in vehicle operation. This presentation will discuss two 
VR training applications, one involving an aeronautical application (parachute 
jumping training and mission rehearsal) and one involving ground 
vehicle operation (novice driver training). The hierarchically structured skills 
required for these complex human operator tasks will be delineated 
in each case, and the VR elements for teaching these skills will be addressed. 
Measures of effectiveness of the training will also be discussed.