505th Training Squadron transforms instruction Published April 13, 2009 By Mr. Rodney Robison 505th Training Squadron HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- How teachers teach and how students learn has changed dramatically over the last several years. At the 505th Command and Control Wing, one training squadron is changing, too. Leaders at the 505th Training Squadron's Formal Training Unit recently announced how they're transforming instruction to meet the needs of joint and coalition warfighters through the use of Advanced Distributive Learning. Since its inception in 2004, the FTU has made significant advances in Air and Space Operations Center Initial Qualification Training. ADL is just another way to make sure AOC's are prepared to meet future joint force requirements, said Lt. Col. Mark Douglas, 505th TRS commander. "The objective of ADL is to move school prerequisites from limitations of a brick and mortar institution to 24-7, 365 days a year global online training," said Colonel Douglas. "This blended-learning is a combination of web-based lessons, with online testing, and resident instruction." The ADL initiative means students spend less time away from their every-day jobs, which is always a challenge for students, Colonel Douglas added. ADL will also help reduce temporary duty assignment costs, allow more flexibility to students, and serve as a fundamental training foundation to successfully complete resident training. The future includes adhering to teaching excellence principles identified in contemporary learning research; balancing existing FTU training technologies with emerging distance learning techniques; and transitioning from passive lecture auditorium methods to online interactive training opportunities. Beyond ADL, the school successfully implemented electronic e-book readers, eliminating almost all printing requirements last year. FTU leadership plans to integrate a learning lab with computer-assisted instruction next year. "Training technological transformation only has one standard: all new initiatives must be at least as effective as resident training," said Colonel Douglas. "All initiatives are measured by student evaluation scores, as well as by student survey results, to verify effectiveness before the initiative becomes a permanent part of our training program. Everyone here at the 505th TRS is encouraged to use emerging technologies to achieve training tasks excellence. It's about providing the best training possible at the right time and right place for American and coalition AOC war fighters."
505th Training Squadron transforms instruction Published April 13, 2009 By Mr. Rodney Robison 505th Training Squadron HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- How teachers teach and how students learn has changed dramatically over the last several years. At the 505th Command and Control Wing, one training squadron is changing, too. Leaders at the 505th Training Squadron's Formal Training Unit recently announced how they're transforming instruction to meet the needs of joint and coalition warfighters through the use of Advanced Distributive Learning. Since its inception in 2004, the FTU has made significant advances in Air and Space Operations Center Initial Qualification Training. ADL is just another way to make sure AOC's are prepared to meet future joint force requirements, said Lt. Col. Mark Douglas, 505th TRS commander. "The objective of ADL is to move school prerequisites from limitations of a brick and mortar institution to 24-7, 365 days a year global online training," said Colonel Douglas. "This blended-learning is a combination of web-based lessons, with online testing, and resident instruction." The ADL initiative means students spend less time away from their every-day jobs, which is always a challenge for students, Colonel Douglas added. ADL will also help reduce temporary duty assignment costs, allow more flexibility to students, and serve as a fundamental training foundation to successfully complete resident training. The future includes adhering to teaching excellence principles identified in contemporary learning research; balancing existing FTU training technologies with emerging distance learning techniques; and transitioning from passive lecture auditorium methods to online interactive training opportunities. Beyond ADL, the school successfully implemented electronic e-book readers, eliminating almost all printing requirements last year. FTU leadership plans to integrate a learning lab with computer-assisted instruction next year. "Training technological transformation only has one standard: all new initiatives must be at least as effective as resident training," said Colonel Douglas. "All initiatives are measured by student evaluation scores, as well as by student survey results, to verify effectiveness before the initiative becomes a permanent part of our training program. Everyone here at the 505th TRS is encouraged to use emerging technologies to achieve training tasks excellence. It's about providing the best training possible at the right time and right place for American and coalition AOC war fighters."