Game-like digital training tools: Transfer of cognitive and perceptual skills from static to dynamic interfaces

This paper explores the principles of skill acquisition and training transfer within the context of game-like digital training tools, expanding on previous research using an instrument scanning task in novice versus experienced pilots. While previous work demonstrated a game-like training tool is capable of developing high levels of performance within the game environment, initial findings suggest the likelihood of practical transfer to a real world environment is strongly dependent on the nature of the cognitive and perceptual skills developed. This paper investigates whether instrument scanning skills developed within a static training task transfer to a more dynamic video-based task. Despite strong performance within the static environment, preliminary data suggest a lesser degree of transfer when more dynamic perceptual skills are targeted. Findings are discussed broadly in terms of the principles of skill acquisition and training transfer, and how these principles may apply to game-like digital training tools.