Intelligence is being able to add value to information by subjecting it to the elements of the intelligence process.

Intelligence has become the driving force in crime prevention, criminal investigation, loss prevention and risk management.

The predictive ability of a competent intelligence analyst is evident across both the public and private sectors.

Being able to support the decision making process in a climate of uncertainty is the analyst’s role and function.

…As such, intelligence is a growth industry.

So you want to be an intel analyst?

Using real-time authentic online learning scenarios to teach criminal

intelligence analysisDr Natasha GiardinaLearning Designer, Queensland University of Technology

Dr Peter BellSenior Lecturer,

Queensland University of

Technology

Parts to talk about

• The Pedagogical and Technical Design Briefs

• Application of Instructional Design Framework (theory)

• Course mapping the capstone experience

• Overall unit structure• First Person Perspective• Lessons learned• What happened next

The Design Brief: Authentic Learning in an Online Environment

The pedagogical challenge: how to provide authentic learning

experiences to build professional skills in a way that is customised for

external students?

The organisational challenge: how to use low-barrier technologies, and existing infrastructure to create a product that can be maintained and

adapted without significant technical support?

Microsoft PowerPoint

Blackboard LMS

Herrington & Oliver (2000): Instructional Design Framework for Authentic Learning Environments

Theories of constructivism, situated learning and problem-based learning

JSB377 as a capstone experience

Skills and knowledge you have developed in units previous to JSB377Defining the research problem/taskAssigning priorities to these tasksGathering information from a variety of sourcesExamining data within a prescribed context and evaluating data according to its validity and the reliability of the source Basic research skills and corroborating information using multiple sources

New skills and knowledge you will develop in JSB377Inductive and deductive reasoningPremise and Inference developmentInformation management Time management & Organisational skillsPrioritising and resourcingDecision making in uncertaintyData integration and presentation

Unit Structure: JSB377 Criminal Intelligence Analysis

9 theory and practical topics

Minor research

assessment task

Major PBL authentic

assessment task: criminal

intelligence analysis exercise

Minor final content quiz assessment

Industry skills and professional preparedness/identity

extended in applied intested in

• Ask a Question Forum

• WCT-based support

• Reflection tool

supported by

Major Assessment Task: Pract-Ex

Assume the role of an intel analyst in an ongoing criminal investigation, applying knowledge/skills learned so far.Analyse intel files to determine

who’s done what.Be prepared for game-changing updates as events unfold.

Present PowerPoint + 8 minute audio briefing + documentation to supervising officer to convince him of your interpretation of events and to adopt your recommendations.

Professional role/perspective

, authentic context

Authentic activity, PBL

Polished product,

articulation

Realistic scenario

Scaffolding, authentic data

The Situation: The investigation was initiated in response to a recent

increase in the sale and supply of Amphetamine Type Stimulants (ATS)

along with a sudden rise in the theft of luxury motor vehicles, suggesting the

involvement of organised crime.

The Learning InterfaceTheories, models

and demos

Reflection tool

Standard navigation

Clear instruction

s

Clear communication channels

Logical, dynamic

presentation of content

Step by step scaffolding for the hard stuff

Simulated “office” interface for pract-

ex

Interactive desk elements link to

PowerPoint Resources and dynamic use of

media

Step-by-step instructions link theory to practice

Evidence video goes here

Use of rich media heightens

authenticity

Students learned… We learned……lots and quickly, but learning curve was very steep.

Previous units did not always adequately prepare students for authentic learning.

An evolving scenario is challenging but exciting.

Real-time simulation very successful engagement strategy.

Self-motivation, time and task management essential to success as intel analyst (and student).

Our influence here was limited: plenty of guidance given, but students needed to take it!

Importance yet difficulty of “making a call” on intel without all the pieces of the puzzle.

Scaffolding was essential to help risk-averse students develop this skill.

PBL is challenging… but then, so is the career of an intel analyst.

Some students thrived on the experience, others were resentful of effort involved.

Communication with teaching team is important for success

Clear communication channels a must. WCT + asynch forum = good strategy!

Student feedback

Employer feedback

What happened next?

Multiple successful iterations, also adapted to FTF mode.

Ongoing partnerships with state and federal law enforcement agencies especially as graduate employers.

Raised profile of Faculty and University. Interest from international agencies.Lessons learned have informed development of

a new co-curricular law and justice competition called QUT Crime Club.