"Behavioral scientists from the U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences assisted the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) Simulation Center in conduct of excursions into the virtual 21st Century battlefield. The 1996 Defense Science Board (DSB) Summer Study requested analytical insights about concepts and technologies being considered for small team operations on the DSB's conceptual 21st Century Battlefield. The DSB focused on the concept of using technology to enable small rapidly deployable forces to accomplish missions previously only available to larger forces. Exercises were conducted in a virtual simulation environment U.S. Army and Marine Corps personnel used specially designed devices in a virtual simulation facility to test concepts about the capabilities of small (3- to 12-man) teams operating in a sensor-rich environment. In addition to computer reported data behavioral and tactical observers documented man-in-the-loop soldier performance and interactions with specific equipment. Combat effectiveness was enhanced through sophisticated communication devices and computers. Personnel were able in the virtual environment to perform tasks similar to those that might occur in a future battlefield scenario. A benefit of the simulation was the ability to portray future missions with prototype equipment."--DITC.

This research encompassed the second in a series of experiments on the functional capabilities of a collection of four Virtual Individual Combatant(VIC) simulation technologies linked in the Dismounted Warrior Network (DWN). These experiments (user and engineering) provided enhanced restricted terrain (ERT) an improved database and VIC systems. The intent was to demonstrate a reliable low cost easy to use way to insert Dismounted Infantry into synthetic virtual environments. Multiple agencies collaborated over several months; experimentation occurred in July 1998. Data collection occurred at the U.S. ArmyInfantry Centers Dismounted Battlespace Battle Lab Land Warrior Testbed and the Fort Benning McKenna Military Observations on Urban Terrain (MOUT) site. The four VICs were networked and the individual soldiers in their VICs appeared (visually) to each other in the virtual environment. User exercises measured theVICs' ability to support the individual soldiers as part of a team performing a collective virtual task of room clearing. The MOUT data collection was an attempt to observe the soldiers in actual room clearing. The U.S. Army Research Institute provided man in the loop observations, results of questionnaires and structured interviews.

As the 21st century begins, we are faced with opportunities and challenges of available technology as well as pressured to create strategic and tactical plans for future technology. Worldwide, IT professionals are sharing and trading concepts and ideas for effective IT management, and this co-operation is what leads to solid IT management practices. This volume is a collection of papers that present IT management perspectives from professionals around the world. The papers seek to offer new ideas, refine old ones, and pose interesting scenarios to help the reader develop company-sensitive management strategies.

The creation of a successful learning environment involves the examination and improvement upon current teaching practices. As new strategies emerge, it becomes imperative to incorporate them into the classroom. Student-Driven Learning Strategies for the 21st Century Classroom provides a thorough examination of the benefits and challenges experienced in learner-driven educational settings and how to effectively engage students in these environments. Focusing on technological perspectives, emerging pedagogies, and curriculum development, this book is ideally designed for educators, learning designers, upper-level students, professionals, and researchers interested in innovative approaches to student-driven education.