Sherlock: A Coached Practice Environment for an Electronics Troubleshooting Job.

Abstract : Sherlock is a computer-based supported practice environment for a complex troubleshooting job in th Air Force. This chapter describes the training problem for which Sherlock was developed, the principles behind its development, and its implementation. The training problem is severe and representative of a common problem in our high-technology society. People who will fill a position for a brief period (four years or less for many in this Air Force job) carry out a set of routine tasks which are well supported by technology. However, periodically, a breakdown occurs: a novel situation requiring sophisticated problem solving for which little support is available. In many cases, such problems must be referred to an expert, but such expertise is difficult to acquire. Semiautomated, routinized jobs do not afford sufficient opportunities for complex problem-solving skills to develop, so their incumbents lack the skill required to handle novel problems. Sherlock is an environment in which this missing skill can be acquired for a specific troubleshooting job. The job domain. Sherlock was developed to raise the level of F-15 Manual Avionics Test Station Technicians' troubleshooting knowledge. These technicians repair electronic modules that have been removed from F-15 aircraft because of suspected malfunction. In their daily work, they follow detailed written troubleshooting procedures (part of their Technical Orders) and use a test station. The test station is a large (40 ft) system of electronic equipment to which the module being diagnosed can be attached.