Using Selective Fidelity in Immersive Learning Systems

The simulation community has been focused on re-creating virtual scenarios for learners that duplicate real-world scenarios, but a realistic replication of all stimuli has proven difficult due to lack of the right technology and extremely high costs. However, the future of learning is rapidly increasing the use of immersive learning technologies to create virtual, augmented, and mixed realities.

How are they doing this? By using selective fidelity. Selective Fidelity is an approach using the stimuli that are truly necessary to perform a learning task in the real world. Some items might be needed in high fidelity, others medium or low fidelity, and still others aren’t needed at all. 

It is natural to focus on the physical fidelity of the technology, but the importance of behavioral fidelity in what trainees are doing when learning in the system should not be overlooked. It is important to assess the level of fidelity needed for effective immersive learning systems that leave a lasting positive impact on your learning and training!

Dr. Dennis Folds | Chief Human Systems Scientist

Dennis Folds is a human systems scientist with over 38 years experience leading and executing user-centered design projects and human performance research. He has been project director and principal investigator for over 100 sponsored research programs. His major research programs include development of countermeasures against manned threat systems, development of guidelines and designer support tools for traffic management systems, cockpit design for the SH-2G(A) helicopter, auditory perception of simultaneous sounds, characteristic errors in rapid decision making, modeling and simulation of human performance in threat systems, development of electronic combat mission planning systems and training systems, and human capital modeling.  He built and led the Human Systems Integration capability at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), serving as Branch Head for Human Systems Engineering and as Division Chief for Human Systems Integration.  He also served as GTRI Chief Scientist for five years. He founded Lowell Scientific Enterprises, providing human systems integration support. He received his Ph.D. in Engineering Psychology from Georgia Tech.

Michael Hruska | Strategic Innovation Coach and Learning Leader

Michael Hruska is a technologist and design thinking (DT) practitioner with experiences spanning across standards, emerging technologies, learning, and science. He is a former researcher at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Mike provides technology, business model and innovation solutions to Fortune 500, government and startups. He researches, strategizes, designs, and makes advanced technology solutions and products. His team has built award-winning products and delivered solutions that support millions of users and billions of hits of daily web traffic.  Michael’s experience spans the continuum between advanced research on adaptive learning ecosystems and emerging technology solution/product design in a variety of industries.