Neural Activity Patterning by Learning Modality in Military Learning and Performance

DFI welcomes Dr. Christina Parker to the Smith Learning Theater on September 18, 2024 at 4pm. Her talk is titled “Neural Activity Patterning by Learning Modality in Military Learning and Performance.”

This talk explores how the Army Aviation Center of Excellence (USAACE) and Air Force Special Operation Command (AFSOC) could leverage the neural pattern mapping of cognitive activity through different learning modalities. In a 2023 study, a technology review of a commercial-of-the-shelf (COTS), eight (8) non-contact node electroencephalographic (EEG) device was conducted. The technology review focused on a feasibility evaluation of the neurotechnology efficacy within Army Aviation full-motion flight simulators. The collected data demonstrated an ability to identify both relevant EEG-related readings to moments of elevated concentration and the like to the eventual synthesis of a cognitive load (CL) scale. This presentation will also consider research in the AFSOC Maintainer community where virtual reality (VR) devices are used to teach weapon systems maintenance skills. This presentation will discuss the value of neuro-technoloy as a curriculum design tool for learning and performance modernization.  The data collected serves to improve understanding of when learning occurs and adjusting curriculum design to be immediately responsive to performance needs. It acts as a trigger for continued research that informs organizational education structures, occupational proficiency, and mission readiness that ultimately enhances wartime readiness under multi-domain operations.

Christina K. Parker, Ed.D. is a Department of the Air Force civilian since 2023 and serves at the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) at Hurlburt Field AFB, FL as the Chief Learning Officer. Christina previously served as a Department of the Army civilian since 2003. She holds degrees from University of South Alabama and her doctorate from Indiana University. She has served as an adjunct professor for Southern Illinois University for 14 years and with Indiana University since 2020. Dr. Parker has presented at various education conferences and symposiums, publishing articles about talent management, change agency, educational technology, and the instructional design profession.