Virtual Cultural Awareness Trainer (VCAT)

By US Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) Joint Knowledge Development and Distribution Capability (JKDDC)

Government Category

 

 

 

 

 

 

2009 Finalist

 

Skills and Ideas Taught: Gestures, basic language, interactions skills, and cultural nuances associated with each of the countries in the Horn of Africa operational area.

Goal or Challenge:  Players must interact with game characters in culturally correct ways to advance.

Primary Audience:  Soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines preparing for deployment as part of Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (JTF-HOA).

Assessment Approach:  Players are assessed through end of module quizzes, and scores inside casual games and scenario vignettes.

Description:  Virtual Cultural Awareness Trainer is a web-based, game-based training application via JKO that teaches cultural awareness using simulated missions. VCAT uses advanced learning techniques (game-based learning, storytelling, intelligent tutoring and remediation, etc.), to help learners quickly and efficiently develop operational cultural knowledge, and acquire cultural skills.   Trainees receive an automatically tailored program of instruction, according to their country area of responsibility, mission, and mission responsibilities such as civil affairs operations and pre-deployment site surveys.

Game Engine:  Flash

Operating System:  Windows

Platform:  Personal computer

Special Hardware:  None