Knowledge Transfer Project
Measurement of transfer of training in serious gaming

According to the results of the WP 4.4. Transfer of Gaming (ToG) of the GATE Scientific Programme, serious gaming can lead to high transfer (Korteling et al, 2010). In this WP principles have been developed that should be fulfilled in order to accomplish high transfer. In addition, in WP 4.4. knowledge has been developed about the methodological aspects of game validation. However, there is still a need for a sound practical test and further elaboration of this methodological knowledge on usability, added value, best practices, etcetera. Therefore, in the present KTP this knowledge is tested and the applicability and concreteness is enhanced. For this purpose, a concrete and representative case will be used, i.e., a Cashiers Trainer (JUST). This trainer combines a simulation of a complete task and job environment including virtual characters with didactical principles (e.g. intelligent tutoring, feedback, and levels of increasing complexity) in an attractive and accessible way. It is therefore termed a Virtual On-the-job Trainer (VOJT). The present project will enhance the applicability and verify the principles and methodologies concerning measurement and optimalization of transfer that have been developed in WP 4.4 on the basis of:

1) Evaluation of the effectiveness van de VOJT in terms of quality of cashiers' performance in two ways: a) expert evaluation of the VOJT, b) performance measurement using four ways of training and training devices (conditions), i.e.: VOJT and OJT, CBT/simple simulation and OJT, classroom instruction and OJT, only OJT.

2) Investigation of the efficiency of this VOJT in terms of costs and time in these four conditions. For developers of serious gaming this research project offers various means of support to improve, found and substantiate the quality and effectiveness of their serious games.

Project Leader
Dr J.E. Korteling, TNO Human Factors

Project Participants
TNO Human Factors (GATE Knowledge Institute)
Jutten Simulation (JUST) (Company)

Related research workpackage
Workpackage 4.4. Transfer of Gaming