An Investigation of the Appropriateness of Computer-Based Instruction to the Royal Australian Air Force CISCON Mustering

Abstract : Currently, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) uses traditional methods of training for all of its personnel, including the newly formed Communications and Information Systems Controllers (CISCON) mustering. The formation of this mustering and the concurrent formation on every RAAF base of a Base Information Systems Centre (BISC) brought to light training needs that were not being met. Using many different forms of stimulation to activate learning, computer-based instruction (CBI), in particular multimedia, represents an alternative method of presenting training.This research investigated the applicability of CBI to the RAAF by matching its features with the training needs of the CISCONs and demonstrated the application of multimedia design principles to a specific CISCON course. An analysis of BISC training needs suggested that CBI will operate as effectively as it has in similar studies thoroughly documented in the literature. This thesis has also demonstrated in a practical way the importance of considering the many multimedia design principles when designing CBI using an existing training course. This thesis directly supports the use of CBI to train CISCON working at the BISCs and further suggests that the RAAF should consider CBI for all of its future training.