Artificial intelligence is set to provide optimum learning support for soldiers and increase teaching quality. Fraunhofer researchers have conducted a study to determine which AI functions would be useful in this context and how this technology could be integrated into the existing system.
The Bundeswehr plans to create a virtual learning environment for all its employees. Until now, soldiers have used conventional learning management systems such as Moodle to expand their competence in subjects such as mathematics, English or social skills and prepare efficiently for examinations. Fraunhofer researchers have taken part in a joint research project to determine how AI could be integrated into this system and which applications would be helpful.
Daniela Altun, project manager and research scientist at the Fraunhofer Institute for Communication, Information Processing and Ergonomics FKIE, and her team followed a typical course in order to find out whether AI could be used to create added value and what form this would take. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB and the Fraunhofer Institute for Open Communication Systems FOKUS also took part in the joint research project.
The team initially conducted a requirements analysis and questioned various stakeholders, including learners, instructors, supervisors and course planners, about the AI tools they would find useful. The feedback was then worked up into user stories. In the final step, the researchers examined which of the features mentioned could be implemented and how users would benefit from them.
A mixture of AI functionalities was tested, including a specially developed chatbot that functions like ChatGPT but uses a closed network so that sensitive information can be handled securely. The chatbot also delivers quality-controlled answers — provided these have been added by the instructor—and can display sources if required.
The researchers are also piloting the integration of a competence assessment app (KoApp), which synchronizes with the learning management system. The course monitored during the study is not graded and focuses on conveying practical knowledge. Until now, a suitable assessment framework has often been lacking. KoApp is intended to help close this gap by documenting soldiers’ competences in the form of diagrams. This enables instructors to view each individual’s learning progress and thus to give them needs-based support.
Additionally, a dashboard provides them with a statistical overview of the knowledge level on each course. A personal AI-generated learning pathway also offered study participants the option of working through the course content in a different order than that determined by the instructor. A learning recommendation system with an integrated learning progress tracker was also tested.
“Since the AI model adapts to the individual’s learning progress, people who use this tool are neither forced to move ahead too fast nor kept back,” says project manager Altun. “This not only enhances the quality of the instruction but also makes the learning process more enjoyable.”
The test results show that the chatbot in particular, which was mainly used for reference purposes and to filter lengthy regulations, was very well received by users. Many participants also praised its intuitive operation.
Along with various AI features, the project also made use of a common learning middleware system previously developed by Fraunhofer researchers. This special software enables communication between AI functionalities based on different data standards and facilitates its integration into the learning management system.
The Fraunhofer research team plans to involve other users and training facilities in a possible follow-up study. Project manager Daniela Altun is looking forward to continuing the project: “In the long term, we would like to use this tool to promote lifelong learning. Artificial intelligence will always remain an optional service and is intended to provide instructors with optimum support, not to replace them.”
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft