Agile Technology Development to Improve Scenario-Based Learning Exercises

Technology is increasingly playing a part in defence and military decision-making, and this must be reflected in how defence, government and military train with such systems. Even beyond the traditional mechanisms that are considered cyber, the interconnectivity we take for granted has utility in real conflict, and therefore must be accounted for in training scenarios. Scenario-based learning is an effective teaching mechanism, allowing for both in-depth knowledge transfer and experimentation. Scenarios allow a level of immersion not present in other forms of learning and can expand on what is currently possible to provide greater insight into theoretical situations. However, designing and integrating technology into scenario-based exercises is difficult and often results in failure, from the perspective of the relevance of the learning outcomes to real life. This work has two distinct aims; to develop a framework that adapts and expands upon known software development project management paradigms to enhance both the quality and success rate of technology integration into scenario-based training, and to implement this for a scenario. This paper outlines the processes, challenges and mechanisms specifically faced when developing and integrating new technology for scenario-based learning opportunities, then discusses a specific implementation and the lessons learned.