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Training Services

Our services include:

• Serious game design (using CTA and PBET as a basis);
• Serious game development (using Unreal, Flash, Torque, and other gaming engines);
• Story, Case Study, and Context-based training solutions;
• Cognitive task analysis /task analysis for identification of expert processes;
• Research/evaluation on learning objectives, decision-making, motivation, and other variables;
• Problem based training and curriculum development;
• Instructional design and content mapping using the WT Authoring Studio™ system;
• Interface design and usability testing;
• And universal design to address physical and learning disabilities.

WisdomTools offers an experienced and well-rounded team of serious game designers, instructional designers, level/interaction designers, modelers, programmers, learning scientists, and cognitive task analysts to design and develop immersive learning simulations. We also offer clients full lifecycle management from concept to ongoing support and evaluation.Please contact us for more information on how we can work with you to solve you unique education and training needs.

Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA) & Instructional Design

For the past decade, WisdomTools has developed expertise in using cognitive task (CTA) as well as advanced instructional design methodologies to develop virtual and augmented reality games and simulations for learning, training, and performance.  Our extensive work in augmented and virtual applications for learning has provided us with a unique approach for understanding "learning in place" - learning that is contextualized, situation-based, and focused on high-end performance.

Stemming from this extensive research and development in augmented reality, WisdomTools moved into virtual games and simulations with an extensive three-year contract with the U.S. Army that focused on training the next generation of the Army's Future Force. Our overall goal and accomplishment was to develop and test an instructional methodology (problem-based embedded training [PBET]) in order to embed it within virtual and augmented training games and simulations. This project served as the foundation on which we have built a Serious Game business that provides end-to-end services from analysis through development and field-testing. Specifically, we developed:

1. Methods of cognitive task analysis focusing on mapping decision-making skills of expert and novice soldiers for how they would use next generation.
2. A virtual simulation-game developed with the Torque game engine that was mapped on earlier CTA outcomes and that used CTA methods as a method for testing decision-making.
3. An instructional methodology, PBET, that is based on the well-researched problem-based learning methodology; we use this framework to design authentic, problem-based virtual simulation-games that are mapped on specific learning objectives.
4. An embedded scaffolding framework to facilitate learning and transfer within game play environments.
5. A research methodology for testing decision-making, learning, and transfer in the game.
6. A prototype authoring tool, WT Authoring Studio, to support identifying and mapping learning objectives to simulation-game design.

Our CTA methods and PBET methodology has been used by others developers to design, develop and test simulation-games.  We have continued to use, apply, and extend our methods in CTA, PBET, simulation-game design, and our authoring process and tools to develop immersive simulation games for:

• Training high-level directors at a pharmaceutical company on decision-making related to when to proceed with the drug validation process;
• Training HAZMAT and first responders how to identify and respond to the presence of multiple hazardous substances within the workplace setting;
• Teaching middle school students concepts of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM);
• Supporting the use of improved eating choices for adults;
• Training business people in learning basic Arabic.

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