Virtual reality suitability for the United States Navy training continuum

This applied dissertation explored the suitability of immersive virtual reality (VR) technologies available between 1995 and 2000 for the Chief of Naval Education and Training (CNET) U.S. Navy training continuum. CNET is responsible for U.S. Navy initial and advanced skill training, leadership training, and team training ashore.;This work was conducted with guidance from the Naval Education and Training Professional Development and Technology Center (NETPDTC) and a formative committee. Four research questions were developed and approached simultaneously. An emergent qualitative approach was used to search multiple sources for evidence of the effectiveness of immersive VR systems for the training of healthy adults. Reviews of pertinent government documents and a wide range of related science and technology studies were also performed. This served to develop subject matter expertise, to contextualize results, and to create a "snapshot" of the evolutionary state of VR-related technologies.;Development methodology was used to explore creation of a VR training system classification. An SPSSRTM matrix was constructed in which the variables consisted of observable physical system features. It was anticipated that encoding the physical features of each system described in research reports would result in a database that could be analyzed for patterns of similar system features. It was hypothesized that physical features so encoded and analyzed would result in the identification of distinct groupings or clusters of systems which shared similar physical attributes. These categories could then form the basis of a draft classification system to facilitate media selection and purchasing dialogue.;Widespread CNET adaptation of fully immersive VR training systems was not recommended. An insufficient number of training systems for adults were constructed between 1995 and 2000 to support either a positive endorsement or the construction of a classification system. The dissertation document includes a non-technical description of VR technologies and their historical strengths and weaknesses. Internet addresses for organizations conducting ongoing VR research or product development are contained in an Appendix and were provided to NETPDTC for submission to the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Office of Training Technology (OTT). Dissertation recommendations included the pursuit of Internet-deliverable, non-immersive, three-dimensional (3D) training products.