Interactive Video for Interpersonal Skills Training

This new interpersonal skills training technology uses a videodisc player controlled by a microcomputer. The videodisc depicts a number of possible interactions between a new Army lieutenant and his subordinate which might occur when the lieutenant attempts to solve a problem such as deficient subordinate performance. The leadership trainee is first presented background information related to the problem. The trainee then sees and hears the subordinate's initial comment on the television monitor. A menu of possible responses the student might make follows on the TV screen and the trainee selects the one he feels is best by pointing to it with a light pen. The computer program causes the videodisc player to move to the point on the videodisc that depicts the way the subordinate might react if treated in that manner. The subordinate's reaction to a given response is designed to provide feedback about the quality of that response. One mode of instruction attempts to simulate an interpersonal interaction as closely as possible. Another adds additional feedback about the correct or incorrect. Initial reactions of individuals reviewing the first of eight videodiscs have been highly positive. An experimental evaluation of its training and assessment potential begins in November 1981. This article is from Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Military Testing Association (23rd) held at Arlington, Virginia on 25-30 October, 1981. Volume 1, ADA130702, p379-383.