VCAT Africa Preview

The purpose of these courses is to provide cultural awareness and language training using gaming technologies along with other innovative methods. VCAT Africa courses focus on the countries, regions, and languages of the continent. It is a web-based course on JKO that delivers sixteen customized courses of instruction, each based on the specific area of deployment and the specific area of interest selected by the learner. Learners are tested on their level of knowledge and must pass with a score of 80% or better in order to graduate and receive their certificate of completion.

Video Transcript

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[Narrator] The Defense Language and National Security Education Office, and United States Africa Command, in partnership with Joint Knowledge Online, introduced a series of Virtual Cultural Awareness trainers for USAFRICOM area of responsibility. Virtual Cultural Awareness Trainers, also known as VCATs, teach essential culture knowledge.

[VCAT avatar] You've already made the most important step just by being interested and asking questions about the culture--

[Narrator] --as well as mission specific language skills, to prepare individuals for successful interactions across a diverse cultural spectrum. This series of VCATs model face-to-face interactions and allow trainees to learn, then practice, culture and language skills using interactive scenarios covering several mission areas, including subject matter expert exchange, senior leader engagements and humanitarian assistance. Learners select a country and mission to create a customized course of instruction that includes the relevant language content. VCATs use game based technology, storytelling, intelligent tutoring, adaptive feedback, and after-action reviews to provide high-quality self-paced learning.

[VCAT avatar] Knowing about these different factors--

[Narrator] A virtual coach guides learners through the VCAT, providing encouragement and feedback to enhance the learning experience.

[VCAT avatar] Well done.

[Narrator] Real-time remediation helps users learn from their mistakes and enables them to review the relevant material before retesting.

[VCAT interview] By making that attempt, no matter how bad it was diction-wise, it shows respect.

[Narrator] On-camera interviews provide personal insights about in-country experiences. They provide an informed perspective to help learners understand the operational environment.

[VCAT recording] Asalaam 'aleykum.

[Narrator] VCATs provide learners with the opportunity to practice keywords and phrases in the target languages using record and playback technology. VCAT mobile courses are also available for use on mobile devices, providing anytime, anywhere access. The Defense Language and National Security Education Office and the United States Central Command are delivering VCATs to help individuals develop operational cultural knowledge and language skills that are critical to readiness. Partnering with JKO to leverage the DoD preferred web-based training capability ensures 24-7 globally accessible training for Department of Defense military and civilian personnel deploying to these regions.