United States Army

Aviation Center of
Excellence (USAACE), Night
Vision Devices Branch
(NVDB)
Educational Technology Plan 20162021
Derrick Tevebaugh, EDUC 629

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Table of Contents

TIP 1: Vision, Mission, Goals and Strategies.

2
TIP 2: Needs Assessment...
.
3
TIP 3: The Planning Process...
.
.. 5
Environment

... 5
Engagement

. 7
Application
Tools
... 7
Results

... 8
TIP 4: Implementation: Timetable and Budget for Goals, Objectives and
Strategies... 8

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TIP 5: Executive Summary...
..
11
TIP 6: References....
.
.. 14

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TIP 1: Vision, Mission, Goals and Strategies of

USAACE, NVDB

Mission
USAACE is committed to providing the best aviation training to soldiers, preparing
them for real world missions and contingency operations. Technology is key to the
viability of future aviation operations and in order to fulfill this requirement USAACE
will address each area of flight training for revision and technology integration. It is
USAACEs desire to integrate technology as a transformative effort that maintains
the future viability of todays aviation taskforce with regard to the costs and
benefits of any technology implemented.
Vision
NVDB is an instructional area where technology can allow students to learn and
apply information that will be critical to their success when faced with real world
situations. USAACE believes that technology integration into NVDBs curriculum
should center on supporting critical thinking skills that lead to better collaboration
with peers and improve problem-solving skills.
Goals
NVDB has identified four goals with supporting strategies for technology integration
into the curriculum in order to fulfill the USAACE mission and vision statements:
Goal 1: Identify the resources necessary to implement technology in the curriculum.
Strategy: Form a working group of instructional systems designers and subject
matter experts in order to determine what technologies and the supporting
instructional methodologies are needed to improve the curriculum.
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Goal 2: The creation of instructional efficiencies that reduce the amount of
information taught via rote memorization.
Strategy: NVDB will examine current instructional material for extraneous
information that does not add to an aviators skills set.
Strategy: Creation of lesson materials that the student can access at the point of
need via mobile device or laptop. These lesson materials can take the form of
mobile applications that can be accessed when detailed information is needed.
Goal 3: Use technology in order to create an immersive virtual learning environment
using simulation (desktop trainer or standalone device).
Strategy: Make instructors stakeholders in the decision process when determining
the feasibility of converting current or future training materials into a simulation
based instructional methodology.
Goal 4: Establish an ongoing process to evaluate the effectiveness of the technology
that is integrated into the curriculum.
Strategy: After implementing technology into the curriculum, USAACE will provide
for the professional development of instructors on the use, instructional techniques,
and methodology needed to efficiently use the technology implemented.
Strategy: The USAACE Quality Assurance Office (QAO) will administer student and
instructor critiques at the conclusion of coursework for three successive classes in
order to validate training goals.

TIP 2: Needs Assessment

Strengths What are the current strengths?

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An average of 20 years of experience per instructor (five instructors

assigned) in night vision system operation at NVDB.

Instructor pilots available to assist in determining what is needed for night

vision flight instruction (application level of learning).

The night vision devices that are used for training students are the same

devices used for flight training.

Facilities have wired and WIFI internet access (encrypted connection).
Strong support from higher leadership for the technology integration and
implementation initiative.

Weaknesses What are the current weaknesses?

Current NVDB curriculum is not optimized for technology integration (Noninteractive PowerPoint slides, paper student handouts, lecture format for

instruction).
Instructors who are resistant to change in instructional material taught at

NVDB.
Lack of funding to maintain technologies integrated.
Lack of subject matter expert support at critical times due to scheduling
issues.

Opportunities What are the future opportunities?

Integration of courseware that is developed into non-training environments in

order to maintain skill and knowledges gained during initial training.

Inclusion of other branches of the military (Airforce, Navy, Marines) into the

training development process in order to capture lessons learned.

The sharing of development costs between the other branches of the military.
Standardization of night vision device usage among the services by utilizing a
common training courseware strategy.

Threats What threatens those future opportunities?

Budget shortfalls (sequestration).

Cost (monetary and time) of interactive course development.
Retirement of instructors with no replacement instructors to backfill.

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A change in higher leadership that reprioritizes the technology

implementation plan and training goals.

TIP 3: The Planning Process

Environment

Available resources:

Trained instructors (x5).

Three furnished classrooms, 1800 Square feet with projectors(x2) and screens

(x2).
Classrooms have LAN drops (x2) at each desk (30).
Classrooms are also WIFI capable.
Instructor podium (x3) with integrated desktop computer and monitor (LAN

connected) and classroom lighting controls.

Aviators Night Vision Imaging System (ANVIS) devices (x40).
Secure (level III) storage room for ANVIS.
Aviator helmets with ANVIS mounts in Large (x20), medium (x15), and small
(x10) stored in central (to each classroom) storage room that is accessible by
instructors without disturbing other classes in session.

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Resources that need to be modified or acquired:
Instructional facilities:

Stadium seating tiered classroom arrangement that allows for a clear view

of instructor demonstrations and video for all students.

Light sealing of classroom from outside light sources eliminates light
interference during night vision device practical exercises and video

presentations.
Interactive polling devices for each student (x30 for each classroom) allows
for accurate check-on-learning queries in order to proceed to the next
learning objective.

Instructional hardware and software:

Virtual Terrain Board (x3) Manufactured by Nightreadiness LLC, includes

Digital projector, dedicated computer (NVG imagery data base and NVG
training scenarios preloaded), handheld instructor controller, instructor

operator station, optimized projection screen.

Conversion of existing PowerPoint and paper based instructional content
(DOTD ISS involvement) into a digital format uploaded to D2 Interactive

Multimedia Framework or DIF to allow for use in other training facilities.

Development of instructional mobile applications allows for portability of
lesson material to use as a reference for unit and individual level training in

the field.
Large scale ANVIS model mounted on a movable stand (x3) used to
illustrate ANVIS components and demonstrate focusing techniques.

Personnel:

Additional instruction on the use of technology integration of equipment and

software into the curriculum.

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Engagement

Instructional methodology used:

Face-to-Face supplemented with interactive multimedia lesson content.

Future consideration of the integration of a Blended Learning instructional

methodology.
Future consideration of DL integration of lesson content (facilitated by a
managing instructor).

Application Tools

Available resources:

Directorate of Training and Doctrine, Technologies Branch, Instructional

Systems Specialists for development of courseware and mobile applications.

Adobe software suite for conversion and creation of instructional content.
Support for additional software and licenses needed to meet instructional
content objectives that are unknown (realized as educational content is

created).
Training time for instructor certification on new or revised curriculum.

Resources that need to be acquired:

Additional software licenses or applications (need determined as educational

content is developed).
Software for recording and analyzing of student answers during a check-on-

learning after Learning Step Activity (LSA) is completed.

Possible integration of check-on-learning recording and analysis software for
end of course test.

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Results

Test item analysis completed after each test in order to understand

educational content weaknesses.

Course critique conducted after each class to capture the good and needs
improvement student comments and suggestions on instructional techniques

and lesson content.

Survey (after a predetermined time period) graduates from NVDB courses on
the effectiveness and relevancy of training received. Survey will utilize
Soldiers email (captured at the beginning of the course) to send
questionnaire to each graduate of NVDB.

TIP 4: Implementation

Budget and Timetable for Goals, Objectives, Strategies, and Measures

Budget

Budget allocation for the NVDB TIP will be provided by a Program Objective
Memorandum (POM) submitted by the 110TH Aviation Brigade, USAACE, Fort
Rucker, AL. This out of cycle budgetary request will fund the TIP until it is included
in the USAACE annual training budget (three years from the POM submission).
Current funding requirement estimate for the NVDB TIP is $500,000 per year
(starting FY 17) which will be reevaluated after each year until it is included in the
USAACE annual training budget (FY 21). Initial funding will be used for equipment

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acquisitions and infrastructure upgrades; legacy curriculum will be utilized during
the first two years of the TIP. Development of new curriculum and staff training will
commence during the first year of the TIP in order to fully utilize the new equipment
and infrastructure upgrades by year three. Curriculum development will utilize staff
for subject matter expert input, which will also familiarize staff with the curriculum
developed. Break down of the NVDB TIP costs are as follows:
Year one TIP funding requirements (prioritized listing).
1.
2.

Classroom upgrade (tired stadium seating, classrooms #1 and #2): $250,000.

Nightreadiness Inc. Virtual Terrain Board (VTB) with supporting equipment

3.

(system #1) $60,000.

Contract (three year) finalized for new NVDB curriculum and mobile
application development: $190,000.

Year two TIP funding requirements (prioritized listing).

1.
2.
3.

Classroom upgrade (tired stadium seating, classroom #3): $175,000.

Nightreadiness Inc. VTB (system #2): $60,000.
Curriculum and mobile application development contract: $190,000.

Year three TIP funding requirements (prioritized listing).

1.
2.
3.

Nightreadiness Inc. VTB (system #3, last system acquired): $60,000.

Curriculum and mobile application development contract: $190,000.
Acquisition of oversized ANVIS training device on rolling stand (three, one per

4.

classroom): $30,000.
Additional software and training as required (classroom check-on-learning
recording and analysis software, additional staff training): $50,000.

Year four and beyond.

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1.

TIP funding is finalized and is now included in the training budget. Budget
will be reevaluated for maintenance of acquired equipment, software,
infrastructure costs, and staff training. The new costs determined during this
reevaluation will be analyzed in order to determine future funding
requirements.

Professional Development Plan

Initial staff training will begin on or about 1 October 2016 (FY 17) and will parallel
the development of the new NVDB curriculum. Staff will become familiarized with
the curriculum during its development by providing support to the contractors as
subject matter experts and providing quality control of the lesson material
developed. Intensive training of staff will begin three months prior to the final
delivery of the new NVDB curriculum. This new curriculum will consist of interactive
classroom lesson media, VTB, and supporting mobile applications. Training will be
spread over a three-month training window in order to allow for continued student
class support requirements, holidays, sick days, and paid leave actions. Total
training time will be four weeks and will be divided into the following subject areas:
Lesson material introduction, Virtual Terrain Board operation, mobile applications,
and lesson instruction certification. Training plan is as follows:

Week 1: Lesson material introduction concentrating on interactive lesson

media utilization in a classroom.

Week 2: Virtual Terrain Board familiarization and integration in lesson

material.
Week 3: Mobile applications and their use inside and outside the classroom

environment.
Week 4: Certification of instructors on new training materials and equipment.
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Lesson Plan

ANVIS Operational Review lesson attached to the TIP

(EDUC629_TIP_Lesson_Plan_Tevebaugh_Derrick)

TIP 5: Executive Summary

Crosswalk of Goals
The following is a goal comparison of the U. S. Army TRADOC Educational
Technology Plan, the NVDB, USAACE, Educational Technology Plan, and the USAACE
Strategic Plan:
U.S. Army TRADOC is in a period of transformation from wartime environment to an
environment of uncertainty filled with complex issues. During this time, TRADOC
must provide flexible training and education that is able to rapidly adapt to
changing mission requirements and use current and emerging technologies and
devices. TRADOCs primary focus when integrating new technology is to ensure that
there is a harmonization of courseware, hardware, infrastructure, and resources,
tied together with a competency based training strategy.
The 110TH Aviation Brigade, Night Vision Devices Branch (NVDB) mission is to
support TRADOCs goals and initiatives is to provide innovative training concepts
and methodologies in order to provide the U.S. Army with the best trained aviators.
To accomplish this task, NVDB has initiated a Technology Implementation Plan that
integrates new methodologies and hardware. The NVDB TIP addresses TRADOCs
desire to Integrate new technology that is supported with relevant and student
centric courseware. This integration involves the establishment of a clear vision of
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what the end state will be, attainable goals, an in depth analysis of instructional
processes, and a road map to development and implementation of the TIP. The end
product will provide students with a curriculum that is involving and relevant, while
also providing information to the aviator at a point of need. Critical elements of the
NVDB TIP are a curriculum development plan supported with NVDB expertise and
experience; acquisition of technologies such as the Virtual Terrain Board (VTB);
infrastructure improvements to support the TIP; and mobile application
development that will serve students beyond the classroom environment. Adoption
of the NVDB TIP will provide the U.S. Army with aviators that will be tactically
proficient in the night mission environment, giving commanders the flexibility to
respond to the uncertain and complex environment that we exist in today.

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Educational
Technology Plan / ISTE
- NETS

Learning:

Assessment:

Educational
Technology Plan for
NVDB, USAACE , Fort
Rucker AL.
1) New Curriculum
development plan with
instructor training and
initial certification.
2) Curriculum will be
hosted online and
available to students via
a web interface and a
mobile application
interface.
1) Integration of Checkon-Learning software and
student handheld
response devices that are
integrated into the new
curriculum.

U. S. Army Training
and Doctrine Strategic
Plan

1) Identify the basic parts

of various technology
systems.
2) Identify applications
and operations of various
technology systems.

1) Provide a mechanism
or process to capture
student understanding of
lesson content.

2) Queries via email of

graduate students in the
field on the relevancy of
the training they received
at NVDB.
1) A computer based
curriculum that is
interactive and contains
multimedia to covey
lesson content.

2) Lesson content must

have the ability to adapt
to current training needs.

2) Integration of a Virtual
Terrain Board into the
instructional content that
simulates ANVIS usage in
the classroom.
Acquisition of three
computer automated
classrooms with light
sealing, stadium seating,
prewired for the LAN, and
WIFI capable.

2) Student must have the

ability to reach back to
previously learned lesson
material.

1) Instructional content
that is compliant with
current TRADOC
technology directives.

Teaching:

Infrastructure:

1) Instructional facilities
must be Classroom XXI
(automated and internet
capable) compliant.
2) Infrastructure must
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support instructional
needs if it is determined
to be necessary for the
instructional content
taught.

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TIP 6: References:

Department of the Army. (2009). Operator's Manual Aviator's Night Vision Imaging
System (ANVIS)

(DA Publication TM 11-5855-313-10). Washington, DC:

Department of Defense Printing Office.

Department of the Army. (2013). Aircrew Training Manual, Cargo Helicopter (DA
Publication TC 3-

04.34). Washington, DC: Department of Defense Printing Office.

Odierno, Raymond. (2014). Force 2025 and Beyond; The U.S. Armys Holistic
Modernization Strategy.
Association of the United States Army, Institute of Land Warfare, (1)15, 1-6.
Retrieved from
http://www.ausa.org/publications/ilw/DigitalPublications/Documents/tbipst/index.html
NSD Technology Plan Update Committee. (2014). Creating Successful Learners,
Now!
TECHNOLOGY MASTER PLAN. National City, CA: Jameson-Whitney, Paula.
Shupe, C., & Behling, R. (2006). Developing and implementing a strategy for
technology deployment.
Information Management Journal, 40(4), 52-55,57. Retrieved from
http://ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login?
url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/227756964?accountid=12085
World Intellectual Property Organization. (1999). Standing Committee on
Information Technologies,
Information Technology Strategic Implementation Plan. Geneva, CH:
International Bureau.

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