ADVANCED DISTRIBUTED LEARNING
FORUM OF EXPERTS
Mr. Ryan Williams
Mr. Ryan Williams, a Technical Analyst at NATO ACT in Norfolk, Virginia, USA, leverages over 17 years of experience to drive innovation in eLearning and emerging technologies.
With a background in programming, he now focuses on integrating advanced solutions like virtual and augmented reality, 5G, haptics, and artificial intelligence to enhance education and training capabilities.
Mr. Gigi Roman
NATO School, Oberammergau
Mr. Gigi Roman, an Advanced Distributed Learning Program Manager, spearheads the online courses and content management at NATO School. His responsibilities encompass the design of new products and the cultivation of strategic relationships for the organization's learning management system, authoring tools, and collaboration solutions.
In addition to his role as an ADL Program Manager, Mr. Roman serves as the Course Director for the NSO eLearning Instructional Design Course (S7-126) and holds a NATO Instructor Certification. His active participation in the Advanced Distributed Learning Working Group and the Educators Working Group of the PfP Consortium of Defense Academies and Security Studies Institutes further underscores his commitment to the field.
Before his current role at NATO School, Mr. Roman played a pivotal role in the development of web-based content and the adaptation of instructional materials for online delivery within the NATO and PfP Community. His prior experience also includes working with various groups at the Military Academy, International Security Network, George C. Marshall Center, and PfP Consortium, where he honed his skills in online content management, project management, and classroom training. He is the author of several articles on online learning and online content management and published in Germany, US, Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Switzerland and, he is invited to international events to speak about eLearning and technology use in education and training. Currently he is actively engaged in contributing to a range of projects centered on cutting-edge technologies, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and Artificial Intelligence.
Harnessing AI for E-Learning Innovation: Exploring Generative and Emerging Technologies
The educational landscape continues to evolve rapidly, driven by the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies into teaching and training practices. This workshop provides an engaging introduction to AI’s diverse applications in e-learning, with a particular focus on the potential of Generative AI and other emerging technologies to transform content creation, learning engagement, and instructional design. Participants will explore the latest advancements in AI tools and platforms. Through guided activities and discussions, attendees will delve into practical techniques such as prompt engineering and use-case development to harness AI’s capabilities effectively.
Practical use of (emerging) learning technologies
Psychologist
Celine L. Westby
Celine Westby is a psychologist in the Military Psychology Section of the Norwegian Armed Forces / Joint Medical Services.
She specializes in personnel selection across the Armed Forces, including conscript enrollment, pilot selection, and various selection processes within the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Cyber Defense. She is currently pursuing a specialization in organizational psychology.
Professional and Accurate Selection of Personnel for Education and Positions in the Norwegian Armed Forces – Introducing E-learning
Professional and accurate selection of personnel for education and positions in the Norwegian Armed Forces is crucial for human performance and, consequently, for the overall operational capability of the Armed Forces. Selection processes occur both locally within various units and centrally through larger recruitment initiatives. Those responsible for selection have varying levels of experience and qualifications, with some conducting selection processes infrequently, while others do so more regularly. This creates a significant need for training and education in the field of selection. A one-week specialized course in selection has been offered since 2016 and has been conducted up to twice a year. The course has been popular, attracting many participants and receiving highly positive feedback. Participants particularly value the opportunity to meet face-to-face to share experiences and build networks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the course had to be adapted to new conditions, leading to the development of an e-learning model. This presentation outlines the model, its development process, how the instruction was delivered, and the feedback received. The new course format continues to be used even after the pandemic ended.
Developing blended learning courses
CEO
Mr. Kristian Andreasen
Coming from a background in Engineering and Computer Science. Kristian has always been fascinated by what happens when Humans meet new technologies. Having spent the last 15 years working with education and this has left a lasting interest in how technology can help people to understand a rapidly evolving world. Kristian explores the field of digital training with a healthy dose of utilitarian skepticism and a key focus on creating value for the end users of technology.
Lessons and experience from the industry when designing collaborative VR and Spatial training experiences
We will share practical lessons and examples from developing over 100 VR training modules and training more than 25.000 technicians for customers ranging from Siemens Energy and General Electric to the Danish Navy. The key focus will be do's and don'ts when developing immersive training in a multi-user environment. How to maximize retention and engagement with open-ended simulators. And what benefits we have gained from allowing trainees to make mistakes and explore the consequences of these failures in an interactive 3D environment.
Practical use of (emerging) learning technologies
Professor Kirsi Helkala
I am a professor at the Norwegian Defence Cyber Academy, Cyberingeniørskolen (called earlier Forsvarets Ingeniørshøgskole). Norwegian Defence Cyber Academy is part of the Norwegian Defence University College. I have also worked as a research professor at the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) during September 2020 - December 2023. Earlier I have worked at Gjøvik University College, that is now part of NTNU. I hold a Master of Science degree in mathematics from the University of Joensuu, Finland and a PhD within information security from the University of Oslo, Norway (PhD dissertation: Authentication in Health Services). I teach mathematics and supervise information and cyber security related student workshops, term papers and thesis. My research interest lays on human factor in cyber security.
Educating New Military Leaders to be Robust against Influence Operations – Case Study
Influence operations and cognitive warfare are part of the new complex threat picture that Norway and other nations face. In general, military education and leadership education have traditions in place to build robustness against war demands, but how to build robustness against influence operations is still almost non-existing. In this case study, we show how an educational module on influence operations was conducted at the Norwegian Defence University College’s Cyber Academy department and how this module contributed to strengthening robustness against cognitive warfare. The impact of the educational module was evaluated by a questionnaire and a short group interview, and the results are shown in this paper. The findings indicate a positive development in the cadets' own perceived robustness. In addition, we also discuss and suggest some personal and organizational factors that can strengthen military leaders' robustness against influence operations. The findings and the discussions can be used as inspiration when educational modules are designed both in military and civilian education.
NB: Paper has been presented in the 23rd European Conference on Cyber Warfare and Security (summer 2024) and published here: https://papers.academic-conferences.org/index.php/eccws/article/view/2100
Practical use of (emerging) learning technologies
Mr. Salih Cem Kumsal
Cem Kumsal is a Learning Technology Staff Officer for the Allied Command Transformation Multi domain Force Development division. He has over 20 years' experience in education and training technologies, which has contributed to his extensive expertise in project management, Advanced Distributed Learning, immersive learning environments, mobile learning, modelling and simulation, and computer-aided exercises. Prior to his arrival at Allied Command Transformation, Cem worked at the NATO Joint Force Training Centre (Bydgoszcz, Poland), the NATO Joint Warfare Centre (Stavanger, Norway), and the Turkish Navy in areas related to education and training technologies. Salih Cem Kumsal holds a Master of Science degree in Industrial Engineering, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science.
Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Interoperability Between NATO and National Learning Management Systems
The NATO Connected Forces Initiative (CFI) Implementation Plan outlines strategies to enhance the readiness and interoperability of Allied forces. Established to transition NATO from current operations to a sustained program, the CFI focuses on maintaining military preparedness and operational superiority in an unpredictable security environment. Activity #17 of Chap 8 of the NATO Connected Forces Initiative Implementation plan called for an assessment of options to connect NATO and national training capabilities. This presentation addresses CWIX as one of the ways NATO moves forward toward the CFI goal of connecting NATO and National training and exercise capabilities, which will continue to impact the ability of the Alliance to conduct connected training. Information found in this presentation will assist in elevating this impact in the upcoming years. The Coalition Warrior Interoperability eXploration, eXperimentation, eXamination eXercise (CWIX) is NATO's premier annual interoperability exercise. Its primary objective is to enhance the Alliance's operational effectiveness by improving the interoperability of communication and information systems among NATO member and partner nations. CWIX provides a controlled environment where military and civilian experts can test, validate, and refine their Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities. This collaborative effort ensures that systems can operate seamlessly together during joint operations, thereby strengthening NATO's collective defense posture. HQ SACT leads an experiment during CWIX 2025 to test interoperability between NATO LMS (JADL) and national (UK & Finland ) LMSs for innovation, allowing participants to experiment with emerging technologies and develop solutions to interoperability challenges. By fostering collaboration and continuous improvement, CWIX plays a vital role in maintaining NATO's technological edge and readiness in an evolving security landscape.
This presentation will give the detailed info on the aim, roles and responsibilities of all participants to CWIX 2025 and will try to engage with the audience to find new collaborative partners.
Practical use of (emerging) learning technologies
Dr. Harri Ketamo
Harri Ketamo, Ph.D, is an entrepreneur with 20 years of experience in cognitive sciences, artificial intelligence and game development. Currently he is founder & CEO at Headai, a company provoding decision intelligence infrastructure. Before Headai, Ketamo has been e.g. founder & CEO of gameMiner (game AI), xTask (adaptive learning) and SkillPixels (serious games).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/harriketamo/
Dual-Use Skills - Securing Talent for emerging and disruptive technologies
Everybody knows that emerging and disruptive technologies (EDT) includes artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, quantum technologies, biotechnology and human enhancement technologies, space, hypersonic systems, novel materials and manufacturing, energy and propulsion, and next-generation communications networks.
Read more about this presentation here: 
Learning science
Captain Jaakko Ala-Hiiro
Basics of Video Production – Educational Videos for Military Training
This workshop provides participants with a thorough introduction to video production, focusing particularly on filming, lighting, and editing videos for military training purposes. In this 90-minute workshop, participants will gain knowledge on the use of educational videos in military training. In addition to theoretical knowledge and practical tips, participants will get hands-on experience in: - The basics of video filming: framing, composition, camera movements, and stabilization - The basics of lighting: implementing three-point lighting - The basics of editing: cutting video, using effects and transitions. After the practical exercises in filming, lighting, and editing conducted in small groups, we will review the key learning contents and offer an opportunity for questions and discussion. As a workshop participant, you will gain valuable knowledge and experience in the key aspects of video production, particularly from the perspective of military training. The workshop aims to enhance participants' technical skills and creative vision, which will improve their knowledge base and ability to produce effective and professional training videos for various military training needs.
Before attending the workshop, consider the following questions:
- How have you utilized videos as part of military training?
- What topics could be beneficial to produce videos for to support learning?
Pre-registration is required for the workshop. Please use link below!
The workshop leaders will bring the necessary production equipment for the practical exercises.
The workshop can accommodate 15 to 20 participants.
Learning tools
L&D Specialist consultant
Mrs. Annasofie Wædeled-Møller
Annasofie is a teaching and learning consultant at the Capital Region of Denmark an has a background in military learning and training, also consulting for the NATO DEEP Programme. She has an MA in pedagogy and didactics and has and has extensive experience as both educator and counselor. Her main areas of work include training of teachers in different sectors, development of teaching courses and pedagogical/didactic consultancy. Her key skills and interests include learning culture, "civic literacy", storytelling in education, PBL and reflective practise learning.
Exploring Heutagogy and Self-Determination Theory (SDT) in Military and Professional Education
In this 40-minute interactive workshop, participants will delve into heutagogy (self-determined learning) and Self-Determination Theory (SDT) as innovative frameworks to enhance motivation, adaptability, and critical thinking in professional education. SDT underscores the importance of intrinsic motivation, autonomy, and competence, which are essential for fostering deep engagement and sustained learning in high-pressure environments. Heutagogy has emerged as a focus area in leading military and professional training institutions, including École de Guerre, Navy SEALs programs, and police training, where the ability to adapt, think critically, and lead in uncertain contexts is paramount. This workshop will explore how heutagogical principles and SDT can be leveraged to create environments that promote learner autonomy and foster critical thinking. Participants will leave with actionable insights into integrating these approaches into their teaching designs to enhance learner engagement and operational readiness.
Target Audience:
This workshop is designed for educators, trainers, instructional designers, and professionals working in military and other high-stakes training contexts. Participants with an interest in learner-centered approaches and innovative educational practices will benefit most.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the core principles of heutagogy and SDT and their application in professional education.
- Identify strategies for fostering learner autonomy and intrinsic motivation in structured environments.
- Learn to design and leverage "teachable moments" to deepen engagement and promote critical thinking.
Expected Outcomes: By the end of this workshop, participants will:
- Gain a clear understanding of heutagogical principles and their relevance to professional education.
- Acquire practical tools for integrating SDT and heutagogy into learning designs.
- Develop strategies to foster learner autonomy and adaptability in their specific educational or training contexts.
Learning methodology
Captain Kenneth S. Christensen
I have extensive experience in education planning, execution, and analysis, with a focus on aligning learning programs to strategic objectives and operational needs. My expertise includes integrating 21st-century skills into educational frameworks and leveraging digital tools to create engaging, supportive learning activities. My work consistently reflects a commitment to fostering effective learning environments that meet the demands of today’s dynamic world.
How do we test technology effectively and with minimal resources?
This presentation is based on the Home Guard Schools practical approach to testing and developing new technologies. Through collaboration with civilian educational institutions., the Home Guard School has created an innovative and efficient framework for technology testing that is both resource saving and result oriented. The Home Guard School has successfully involved and cooperated with civilian educational institutions and their students in testing processes. By combining practical military experience with academic knowledge, the Home Guard School has been able to test new technologies and produce subsequent reports. The focus of the tests is to identify the benefits, if any, that the new technology can provide. Further more the tests will create an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the new technologies related to supporting 21st century skills. In this presentation the Home Guard School will cover: - The Home Guard Schools approach: A walkthrough of how the collaboration with civilian educational institutions is structured and how students from the institutions contribute to the testing process. - Benefits of collaboration: Examples of tangible gains, including faster testing processes, innovative solutions, and a more cost-effective approach. - Challenges and lessons learned: provide insights into the challenges the Home Guard School has encountered, such as balancing theory and practice, and how to integrate new technology into existing systems. The presentation will focus on practical examples from the Home Guard Schools experiences. We would like to share which technologies we have been testing as well as the results of those tests and finally how external partneres have contributed to the process. Thus, the purpose of this presentation is to inspire other organizations - both military and civilians - to adopt smarter and more efficient methods for technology development and testing. By highlightning concrete experiences the Home Guard School aim to show how it is possible to test new technologies in a way that benefits the Home Guard Schools as well as the defence sector in generel.
Learning technology
You must register for this event!
The maximum number of participants for this workshop is 12
Senior planning advisor
Mr. Marko Pikkarainen
M.Sc.Ed / BA Marko Pikkarainen works as Senior Planning Advisor in Defence Command Finland J4. His main working theme is 2030 century´s learning strategies.
He is also Graduated from Turku University´s 60ects Learning and Teaching Specialization Program in Digital Environments.
M.Sc.Ed / Art Lauri Vase is an educational technology designer. In his current role in the Finnish Defence Forces, He has helped to transform our National Logistics Schools education to use modern digital pedagogy tools. His main focus has been assisting educators to build their courses using Moodle. He designs and implements digital learning strategies that make the learning experience more accessible, interesting and lively for students.
M.Sc.Ed Hanna Laakso works as an eLearning Designer in the Finnish Air Force Academy. For the past two years her main areas at work have been digital pedagogy, educational technology and developing learning environments. At the moment she is studying her second master's degree on educational technology. Her main areas of intrest are learning and developing digipedagogical competence of the personel.
M.Sc. (tech) Ville Manninen works as an eLearning expert in the Army Academy of Finland. He also teaches military technology and has a strong background on applied mathematics.
M.Sc.IT Sonja Pyykkönen is a Digital Learning Specialist in The Border and Coast Guard Academy of The Finnish Border Guard. She leads the EdTech Team that is responsible for online course production and elearning environments and digital simulators.
M.Sc.Ed Henriikka Suopelto works as an eLearning Designer in the National Defence University Finland. Her main areas at work are digital pedagogy, educational technology and developing learning environments. She is responsible for the video productions at the National Defence University Finland. At the moment she is studying 60ects Learning and Teaching Specialization Program in Digital Environments.
From Idea to Product – Harnessing H5P for Creating Interactive Learning Material
Workshop Overview: This hands-on workshop empowers participants to create engaging e-learning materials through an interactive process of video or image production. The session guides participants step-by-step from conceptualization to final product creation, utilizing cutting-edge tools and best practices.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the principles of effective educational video and image design.
- Gain practical skills in producing and enhancing media for e-learning.
- Explore the potential of H5P with Lumi for creating interactive, engaging learning materials.
- Collaborate in a structured workflow from idea generation to product delivery.
You can choose to focus on one objective or complete the entire workflow from an idea to a finished interactive product!
Workshop Activities:
- Introduction to Effective Educational Videos: The session begins with a concise overview of the characteristics of high-quality educational videos and the essential role of scripting. Participants will learn the basics of planning engaging and purpose-driven content that aligns with online learning objectives.
- Hands-on Content Creation: Equipped with foundational knowledge, participants will conceptualize, script, and produce a short video or capture a relevant image. Participants may design their own themes related to e-learning or choose from pre-prepared scenarios. A humble video recording studio with greenscreen is also available.
- Interactive Video Development with H5P: Leveraging the Interactive Video feature of the H5P toolkit, participants will enhance their videos with interactive elements, such as quizzes, clickable links, and additional multimedia. For participants who produce images, the H5P Hotspot Tools will be introduced to create dynamic and interactive image-based learning materials.
- Implementation Support with Lumi Software: Participants will receive an introduction to Lumi, a versatile desktop application for creating and editing H5P content. Detailed guidance for each step of the H5P process will be provided during the session, and participants will retain access to these tools for future use in their e-learning projects.
- Prepare yourself for the workshop! Record an educational short videoclip or take a photo in advance. If not possible, bring your own device (for example mobile phone) for video recording (optional). Lumi Desktop Editor installed to your own laptop (limited number of laptops are provided by the organizers).
By the end of this workshop, participants will have completed their own interactive video or image-based learning product. The process not only demystifies media creation but also equips attendees with transferrable skills and tools to implement within their respective organizations. Join us for this innovative workshop to transform ideas into impactful learning solutions.
Producing video lectures
National Defence University of Ukraine
Yevhen Makhno, PhD, head of multimedia technologies section, ADL Center.
Researches the implementation of multimedia technologies in the process of training military specialists.
National Defence University of Ukraine
Yevhen Sudnikov, senior researcher of ADL Center.
Has over 10 years of experience in research and development ADL training and education.
Dealing with multimedia educational materials production.
National Defence University of Ukraine
Vitalii Kominko, researcher of ADL Center, has master degree in IT, expert in developing video content, graphics and animations.
Multimedia technologies as a tool for modern learning: using a video studio in educational institutions
Video studios in an educational facility proved to be an essential asset, especially in times when most rely on distributed learning capabilities. The report is aimed at educators willing to delve into video content creation, those who are beginners at video production, and those who are merely exploring its possibilities. We will start with a brief overview of our first recording sessions with amateur equipment and the creation of a dedicated video studio and professional equipment. We’ll highlight how we utilize the limited filming space with different set decorations and greenscreen. Reveal the lighting setups and video and audio recording equipment we use. and provide for amateurs. Furthermore, we’ll follow the complete video post-production process, from aligning audio and video tracks and basic editing to creating animations and VFX, ending with color grading. All are sprinkled with example clips from the projects we worked on. With the beginner video creators in mind, we’ll also mention substitutes of our equipment and software that can be used with minimal budget to ease the start of the video production journey.
Producing video lectures
Captain Bo Posselt Kristensen
Bo has extensive experience in learning and e-learning, driven by a passion for making teaching more engaging and exciting. With a strong interest in VR, he focuses on optimizing learning processes through innovative solutions that blend technology and motivation to achieve better outcomes.
VR and Shooting in the Danish Home Guard
VR and Shooting in the Danish Home Guard Can VR revolutionize shooting training, or is it just a game? The Danish Home Guard, has tested Gaim Range to see how Virtual Reality (VR) can be used as a training tool for shooting. VR technology has the potential to create safe and flexible training environments, but how does it work in practice?
Hear about the experiences from the test:
- What works and what doesn’t?
- How does VR compare to real-life shooting, and what are the technology's limitations?
Safety and Learning:
- How can realistic training be ensured without compromising safety?
- Play or Learn?
- Can VR training with a pair of VR goggles and a Bluetooth-enabled rifle be a serious alternative to traditional methods?
Join us to hear the test results, gain insights into the potential of future shooting training, and experience VR shooting for yourself. Test your skills and discover what the technology has to offer!
Learning tools
SO1
Mr. Shane Kelly
With 25 years in digital design and web development, including 15 years in the motorcycle sector, I've spent the last 3 years at the Defence Academy's Learning Capability and Development Group. I lead a small team of Royal Airforce personnel, delivering advanced technical design and consultancy to maximize technology-enhanced learning through our innovation lab. I also chair a major working group on TEL and AI in Training and Education, focusing on future-proofing military education for the next 5–10 years.
Text to Video AI Avatar Workshop
Shane Kelly | SO1 Tech Futures Technology Enhanced Learning Defence Academy of the UK.
UK Strategic Command 40 min Workshop – Utilising text to video AI avatars and other AI driven Apps to deliver memorable, engaging and cost-effective training and education.
Objective: By the end of this workshop, participants will understand the process of creating text-to-video avatars using several AI applications and recognise the benefits of using this technology within an educational setting. 40 min Practical Workshop For this workshop I will provide a presentation using an AI avatar to both introduce the presentation and present solid, evidence-based reasoning why delivering learning via an AI video avatar is both beneficial for Educational Professionals and improves the outcomes for the learner.
This is the first draft of the introduction video:
https://share.synthesia.io/2a704e3b-9677-4933-85b8-b30639ba6538.
Then I will demonstrate how to: Select relevant web resources and use Notebook LM to generate a document on an example subject e.g. ‘The Golden Ratio’. Fact-check the output for accuracy. Explain how to prompt engineer Claude.ai to rewrite the output of Notebook LM into a script suitable for a video presentation and the intended audience. Generate some images to support this generated content using Adobe Express and Adobe Firefly. Import the text and images into two different options: an enterprise and low-cost/free application, to measure the differences in price, quality and output. After agreeing the best version, use the app to translate the content into Finnish (or the most popular first language in the room [workshop attendees] other than English by voting on Slido). Conclusion The integration of AI-driven text-to-video avatars in education represents a significant advancement in the way educational content is delivered. By leveraging NLP, computer vision, and deep learning, these avatars can create a more engaging, personalised, and scalable learning experience. As this technology continues to evolve, it holds the promise of transforming education and improving learning outcomes for students worldwide.
This workshop will highlight how straight-forward and achievable that process is.
Producing video lectures
Mrs. Éva Kucsmik-Horváth
Mrs. Éva Kucsmik-Horváth is an educational and training specialist, currently working for the NATO Centre of Excellence for Military Medicine in the position of Course Development within the Training Branch. In 2008 she graduated in the field of English Language and Literature, and Institutional Communication (BSc), and between 2012 and 2014 she took part in an MA degree programme in education sciences at the Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church in Hungary. For the past four years, she dedicated her time to the ADL capability development of NATO Centre of Excellence for Military Medicine, developing online courses for the military medical community in NATO and partner nations. To enhance modernization and innovation within military medical Education and Training (E&T), she cooperates with research institutes like Jefferson Institute, which is a Washington-based independent research and education organization. She is a member of the PfPC ADL Working Group. In addition, as a course developer - within the military medical support discipline - she also plays a pivotal role in supporting the curriculum improvement for residential courses and their course certification. The purpose of her presentation is to introduce how the ADL capabilities were integrated into the pre-training phase of the Vigorous Warrior 2024 and Clean Care 2024 exercises, demonstrating their effectiveness in preparing participants for these complex multinational scenarios.
Implementing Advanced Distributed Learning in Vigorous Warrior 2024 and Clean Care 2024 Exercises
Multinational military exercises inherently bring together participants with diverse backgrounds, experience levels, and knowledge bases, creating challenges in achieving uniform preparedness. The pre-training phase plays a critical role in equipping participants for effective engagement in these exercises. Preparatory resources must be intuitive, accessible, and easy to navigate to address these challenges. Furthermore, military operations are more complex, all requiring more extensive training, and quick acquisition of new knowledge and skills. Integrating Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) into multinational exercises represents a critical step in meeting these demands.
The purpose of the presentation is to introduce how the ADL capabilities were integrated into the pre-training phase of the Vigorous Warrior 2024 and Clean Care 2024 exercises, demonstrating their effectiveness in preparing participants for these complex multinational scenarios. The Vigorous Warrior (VW) exercise series is NATO’s largest multinational medical exercise, organized biennially by the NATO Centre of Excellence for Military Medicine (MILMED COE) in collaboration with a voluntary host nation. The VW24 exercise was particularly notable because it was conducted in conjunction with the Clean Care 2024 (CC24) chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) exercise in Bakonykúti, Hungary, in May 2024, creating a unique setting that brought together 1,600 participants from 35 nations.
For the first time, NATO MILMED COE offered an eLearning platform to support pre-training requirements of this combined event. Designed to cater to both the Training Audience and Exercise Control staff, the platform was accessible to civilian and military participants alike. The results of the project are captured in a case study as well that gives insight into the key lessons identified from the operational integration of ADL into VW24/CC24 and analyzes its impact on the exercises. The study also highlights insights derived from learning analytics, including data collected from eLearning courses, illustrating the potential of ADL to enhance preparedness, streamline training, and support knowledge retention in complex multinational contexts.
Practical use of (emerging) learning technologies
Captain Petteri Wahlgren
Captain Petteri Wahlgren is LVC-training expert based in Fighter Squadron 41. Petteri is an experienced fighter pilot and air combat instructor pilot with over 1000 hours with fighter jets.
Petteri is currently serving in Fighter Squadron 41 as the Commander of the 3rd Flight. Flight is responsible in developing HAWK for FINAF training purposes.
Finnish Air Force Flight Training is ready for Fifth-Generation Fighters
The Finnish Air Force leverages the LVC environment extensively, including the advanced jet training on the Hawk. Through the Hawk Link system, the training integrates Hawk aircraft (Live), simulators (Virtual), and computer-generated targets (Constructive), creating a seamless training ecosystem. Additionally, a debriefing system records mission data, including aircraft positions and weapon system operations, to provide participants with comprehensive post-mission feedback The LVC environment allows pilots to engage in complex air operation scenarios. Looking ahead, the Finnish Air Force envisions a future where most flight training is conducted in an advanced LVC setting, blending live aircraft, simulators, and AI-driven computer-generated players to maximize effectiveness and efficiency of the training.
Learning technology