A Practical Decision Guide for Integrating Digital Applications and Handheld Devices into Advanced Individual Training

Abstract : The objectives of this research were to (1) identify and evaluate lessons learned from selected Connecting Soldiers to Digital Applications (CSDA) pilot tests for the development, integration, and sustainment of digital training applications and handheld devices in Advanced Individual Training (AIT), and (2) develop a practical decision guide for key decision makers determining the utility of digital applications and mobile technologies for AIT and developing metrics for accessing their impact on training. A literature review was conducted and data were collected from subject matter experts who had participated in CSDA pilot tests. Results were organized into 10 factors and 35 associated subfactors related to the topics of training methods and delivery, human and contextual factors, and hardware and infrastructure capabilities and constraints. A decision guide was developed to help inform key decision makers about factors associated with the use of digital applications and handheld devices in training.