How AI is Revolutionizing Practical Application Design in Naval Science Education
In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, staying relevant is a challenge—especially in fields like military science, where strategic and operational concepts must reflect current realities. At the University of Utah’s College of Social and Behavioral Science (CSBS), Associate Professor of Naval Science and Executive Officer Jacob Rittenhouse is tackling this challenge head-on by integrating artificial intelligence into course design.
The Challenge
Traditional warfighting exercises often rely on pre-written scenarios that can quickly become outdated. Updating these exercises to maintain relevance requires significant time and effort from educators—time that is often in short supply. This gap can limit the realism and effectiveness of training at the strategic and operational levels of war.
The Solution: AI-Powered Scenario Design
Major Rittenhouse’s course uses matrix gaming as a framework for practical application. To enhance this approach, he leverages ChatGPT to rapidly generate:
- Scenarios and information injects
- Student handouts
- Scenario rules
This AI-driven process allows exercises to be tailored to the unique needs of each semester’s students, ensuring that content remains timely and engaging. Instead of relying on older, static materials, educators can now design dynamic exercises that reflect current strategic realities.
Impact on Teaching and Learning
The results have been transformative:
- Reduced Development Time: AI significantly lowers the time required to create and update exercises, freeing educators to focus on instruction and mentorship.
- Enhanced Realism: Exercise frameworks are now more detailed and establish realistic operating parameters, improving the quality of learning experiences.
- Positive Student Feedback: Students consistently highlight the benefits of realistic, well-developed scenarios, noting that these exercises deepen their understanding of complex warfighting concepts.
Why It Matters
This approach demonstrates how AI can bridge the gap between theory and practice in education. By streamlining scenario development, educators can deliver richer, more relevant learning experiences without sacrificing quality or time.
As Major Rittenhouse’s work shows, AI isn’t just a tool for efficiency—it’s a catalyst for innovation in teaching and learning.
For more information, email: jacob.rittenhouse@navsci.utah.edu