Training Approaches and Data Entry Methods for Semi-Automated Command and Control Systems

In Experiment 1, a response-sensitive instructional strategy was compared to more traditional instructional strategies in an embedded training program designed for manual data entry operators in the Army TOS command and control system. Results showed that using the response-sensitive strategy reduced training time without reducing inputting accuracy. Experiment 2 examined the relative efficiency of four different manual data entry methods: Typing, Typing with an error corrector, Menus, and Auto-completion with an English option. Results show that Menus are the most accurate inputting method. No differences were found in entry time among the methods. Results also showed little agreement between preference and performance for the methods.