1. SOFTS: Solutions for Synchronous Training for Geographically Separated Learners of Low-Density Languages
Mr. Mark Roemer
Mr. Daniel Thornhill
Special Operations Forces Language Office
AFPAK LEARN Conference
18 May 2010

2. The Problem
SOF Operators who need to learn and maintain low-density languages are spread out over a wide area
Good instructors are difficult to find
Sending them to attend courses or sending instructors to them is costly
Sending them to attend courses separates them from their families
Having online language training is the obvious solution
Online courses have issues that training officers and coordinators must address
Online language courses are largely asynchronous

3. The Problem Learners like asynchronous online courses and materials
They can self-pace
They enjoy working on their own
They enjoy the flexibility
This approach does not fully meet our needs
SOF Operators are not (crypto)linguists or translators, they need speaking primarily
Our missions include building rapport with, influencing, and advising foreign partners and counterparts
SOF must have a synchronous component so they can learn to function in conversations in the target language
They must build discourse and strategic competence

4. How We Solved It
The Special Operations Forces Teletraining System (SOFTS)
We use several commercial and Government programs to deliver real-time language & culture training
Students can be anywhere in the world
It’s geared toward students unable to attend traditional classes at traditional training institutions
It consists of the registration page, the synchronous Collaborative Learning Environment (CLE), and asynchronous training tools
We’re dedicated to a concept, not a certain platform. As technology advances, so does SOFTS.

5. Some Statistics
406 total classes have run from SOFTS’ inception in 2006
Around 60 classes in key languages are in progress at any given time
Approx. 700 SOF train per year plus others on a space available basis
Approx. 30 people collaborate to manage the courses by:
Setting up and scheduling new classes
Training new instructors and students to use the platform
Tracking and distributing hardware and materials
Monitoring classes for technical difficulties
Observing classes for quality assurance reporting
Professionally developing the instructors
Managing instructor-student conflicts
Results on DLPT and OPI are comparable to a traditional, physical classroom
Over 400…
Around 60… in key languages, including Farsi, Dari, Pashto, and Urdu
Approx. 700/year
Approx. 30 to manage

7. Requirements DSL or cable internet access Ethernet (wired) connection
At least 256 Kbps Upstream
At least 1.5 Mbps Downstream
Windows-enabled PC with 2.4 GHz processor and 2 GB RAM
Webcam
Headset with microphone
We provide hardware to SOF as needed
Units can sign for a certain number of laptops, headsets, and cameras that can be kept onsite.

8. The CLE
The CLE is a simple learning management system through which students access their virtual classroom
Instructors and CLPMs can upload assignments, POIs, and other documents to it
Learners can contact each other, their instructors, and the Help Desk
The Help Desk monitors the CLE anytime training is in progress to correct technical issues
The Help Desk can record training for quality assurance purposes
The Help Desk also trains all SOFTS participants prior to beginning their language training
The online architecture that the students see is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes activity that the students do not see; all they see is a smoothly running virtual classroom

9. Collaborative Learning Environment
Students access the virtual classroom by clicking on the link here to the right

10. The CLE Virtual Classroom
The CLE virtual classroom is almost identical to a physical classroom
Synchronous video and audio interaction
Chat
Instructors can chat with the whole class or with particular students in order to give hints or definitions
The whiteboard
Students can write on the virtual whiteboard by opening a textbox and typing or freehand using a mouse or stylus
Sharing
Annotation tools can be used to write comments on anything the instructor shares
Students can load foreign language keyboard settings and type in any alphabet.

11. Mr. Mark Roemer, Deputy Chief
LIVE DEMO
Mr. Mark Roemer, Deputy Chief
SOFLO
Share documents (PowerPoint/Word)
Share media
Share desktop
Share application
Send sample quiz and have me send it back
Show whiteboard and annotation tools
Show chatbox

12. Benefits: Cost No building construction or maintenance costs
We have an unlimited number of classrooms with minimal physical architecture
No travel or per diem costs for students or instructors
One supervisory structure can administrate a large program without having a centralized, physical location

13. Benefits: Flexibility
Classes can start sooner, more often, and from anywhere
We can assemble sufficient students to start a class from across all of USSOCOM
Instructors can teach from anywhere
Students in remote areas who would otherwise have gotten no training at all are now able to be trained
Students can train and still continue their current duties if necessary
Students do not have travel to an installation education center, an off-site office, or any other training site
Many of our best Pashto, Farsi, and Dari instructors live in California. Using SOFTS, these instructors can teach our Operators in Virginia and North Carolina without disrupting everyone’s lives.

14. Benefits: Flexibility
Students can train from home prior to lengthy deployment, which prevents further separation from family
SOFTS provides direct links to authentic, current media content from the internet
SOFTS provides direct links to other entities, like Joint Language University
Students can keep all materials and training notes instantly by saving it to their hard drives
Our training remains state of the art
We have contracted the concept, not a specific software
As the technological landscape changes, so does SOFTS

15. Benefits: Control
Classes can be observed for quality assurance purposes from anywhere with minimal interference
Classes can be recorded
The Help Desk maintains a log for EVERY hour of language training that can be used to pinpoint and correct issues
The Help Desk maintains an attendance log for every training session detailing who is absent and the reason.
The whereabouts and performance of all students are tracked and available for review at all times
All students receive a certificate of completion at the end of training

16. SOF Language Office (sofclo@socom.mil)
Questions?
SOF Language Office