Training Effectiveness of Wearable and Desktop Simulator Interfaces

The availability of increasingly advanced simulation interfaces has led researchers to question whether these newer interfaces provide a more effective means of providing simulation-based training. An empirical evaluation was conducted comparing the knowledge gained from training with three different systems: narrated computer animations (Flash videos) that are currently in use in the U.S. Army, an interactive virtual environment presented on a standard desktop PC, and the same virtual environment presented on a wearable simulator with head-mounted display. Results indicated no difference in the knowledge gained from any of the training methods, although the Flash videos were deemed less engaging, enjoyable, and elicited less presence than both of the virtual environment training methods. The wearable simulation interface was also found to cause greater levels of simulator sickness than either the desktop PC or Flash video training methods. The results of the current study show no evidence of a benefit of using the wearable system over more traditional desktop systems.