This article examines the design structure and interface of online courses and explains how program-wide design standards can benefit the learner, educator, and organization as a whole. Standards in program design can help support learner success, and these examples serve as a guide when designing, updating, or improving online adult and…

Road safety education is a complex phenomenon which should be viewed holistically if taken into account the interconnectedness of education, infrastructure and enforcement. Effective road safety education is specifically important for learners in the Further Education and Training (FET) band, as they are active contributors to a community. The…

Introduction: Self-audit involves self-collection of personal performance data, reflection on gaps between performance and standards, and development and implementation of learning or quality improvement plans by individual care providers. It appears to stimulate learning and quality improvement, but few physicians engage in self-audit. The…

Introduction: There are few opportunities for mentorship of practicing surgeons and no evidence to guide the design of such programs. This study explored outcomes and barriers associated with the design of surgical mentorship programs. Methods: Interviews were held with organizers, mentors, and proteges of 2 programs. Data from 23 participant…

Background: The previous literature has largely focused on speech analysis systems and ignored process issues, such as the nature of adequate speech samples, data acquisition, recording and playback. Although there has been recognition of the need for training on tools used in speech analysis associated with cleft palate, little attention has been…

Defines workshops, compares the workshop with other program formats, discusses advantages and limitations, and proposes guidelines for determining whether a workshop format is appropriate for a particular learning situation. (JOW)

Examines the steps involved in the development of publications used to promote continuing education programs. It looks at two primary elements: programing (delivering what the public wants) and promotion (telling the public where it is) and how they can work together to produce effective promotional publications. (CT)

Examines the source and identifying characteristics of continuing professional education. Finds that continuing education and continuing professional education are separate and distinct organisms, having different missions and different operational premises. While institutions of higher education may effectively offer both types, the distinctions…

Five indicators of failure suggest mistakes in program design or delivery: aborted planning, insufficient enrollment, negative reactions, unattained objectives, and incomplete transfer of learning. Learning from these mistakes requires deliberate reflection and systematic analysis. (SK)

Interviews with 32 adult education practitioners elicited success/failure factors. Practice-related observations included (1) reflecting on success/failure helps clarify values and assumptions; (2) new ways of perceiving, planning, and evaluating are stimulated; (3) integrating past experiences with changing demands promotes flexibility; (4)…

Four types of program failure are (1) termination before implementing a planned program; (2) insufficient enrollment; (3) failure to meet participant expectations; and (4) failure to achieve objectives. Speculations about probable causes of failure can lead to principles for improving practice and to theories about program failure. (SK)

The British Columbia Telephone Company's systematic approach to curriculum development, which relies heavily on the needs assessment step, is described along with its practical applications. This process allows training departments to focus their resources on the design and implementation of education to solve specific performance problems and…

Reviews the needs assessment studies described in this journal issue. Concludes that (1) lessons from completed needs assessments can help continuing education practitioners plan and conduct future studies, and (2) a rational, need-reduction, decision-making approach can improve continuing education programs. (CT)

Describes how a Xerox business group, in designing a program for its engineers' development, faced the following major issues: competition, changing technology, maturing technical population, shorter product development cycle, unit manufacturing cost, and quality. Also discusses committing line management, paying for school, continuous training,…

Presents an analysis of the literature on three major components affecting continuing education for health care professionals: the goals of continuing education, the design of programs, and the outcomes of efforts. Specific recommendations are provided. (Author/CT)