FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Terri Bernhardt (407) 883-5181
ECS Unveils Upgraded EMST, to Fully Customized Training
November 29, 2011. Orlando, Fla. Engineering & Computer Simulations (ECS) announced today added enhancements to the Emergency Manager Staff Trainer (EMST). The EMST is a simulation-based training system that allows individuals or teams to make decisions in realistic situations and see the outcomes. It is a completely web based program that does not require the user to install any software on their computer. Additionally, it is free to use.
The EMST trains novice to expert level with an emphasis on Naturalistic Decision making skills. This is achieved by first teaching the basic knowledge of a domain and tactical decision making. Once the user has a general understanding of their role, they can jump into individual training to refine their skills by exercising with simulated teammates. EMST also has the ability to run team exercises to teach the user how to make effective decisions as a team.
During an exercise, the user will be given injects from many different sources such as email, news articles, television news clips, simulated phone calls and more. These pieces of information will allow the user to make key decisions for their role within the simulation. Based on the user’s action, or inaction, there may be consequences that follow that change the outcome of the simulation.
EMST uses a variety of ways to gauge how the player is performing their role. These ways include tracking whether or not the user sent a key piece of information to another player, such as a filled out form, multiple choice questions, free response questions, and more. Throughout the exercise, these essential actions are automatically tracked and are viewable in an after action review. An instructor or facilitator also has the ability to grade the user’s free response questions and leave beneficial feedback on specific tasks to further improve training.
EMST use is on the rise, with over 1000 different users and clients. Some of the various current stakeholders include FEMA, the National Academies of Sciences, the National Guard Bureau, the Center for Disease Control, U.S. Army RDECOM, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
“Looking into the near future, one of the most requested features is about to make its debut – a scenario builder that will allow users to tailor existing scenarios or even create their own without the need of any programming experience,” stated Joe O’Connell, Vice President, Business Development. “This feature will make it possible to fully customize any training event to meet your organization’s specific training needs.”
About ECS
Engineering & Computer Simulations, Inc. is a software development and solutions company located in Orlando, Florida. The core mission of the organization is to provide advanced learning technology solutions to clients within the Commercial and Government sector. The company’s technology portfolio of immersive virtual worlds, serious gaming, performance assessment, staff training, and mobile innovations offers efficiencies in education, training and collaboration.
