Describes the implementation of a virtual environment to support the training of engineers in Panels of Experts (POE), a vehicle for gathering customer data. Describes the environment, discusses some issues of communication and interaction raised by the technology, and relays the experiences of new users within this environment. (RS)

This article considers a training and development case study involving external advisors as training consultants in the development of a new management structure in a British mental handicap unit. The study provides a number of perspectives on the role of training and development consultants in helping "planning for change" activities.…

Presents a model for the effective transfer of skills from training programs to worksite implementation for instructional designers and corporate trainers involved in performance improvement. Strategies for use in pre-training, during training, and in posttraining are described that will ensure transfer of training. (Contains 21 references.) (LRW)

To ensure significant improvement in individual and organizational managerial effectiveness, the design and implementation of soft-skill management development programs need to address the six factors leading to change resistance and the five critical elements that contribute to success. These factors and elements are discussed in detail. (CT)

Discusses ways to keep established teaching assistant (TA) training programs vital using a case study of the Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Davis. Identifies seven key elements in the maturation and subsequent revitalization of the TA training program, including leadership, teaching attitude, financial resources, modest…

Provides a summary of research on the effectiveness of animation in computer-assisted learning, suggests guidelines and strategies for implementing animation for specific materials in both educational and training environments to assist instructional designers and developers, and includes examples for the strategies. (Contains 17 references.) (LRW)

Examines definitions and goals of the field of performance technology. Topics discussed include a model for visualizing performance technology; needs assessment; front-end analysis; the design and development of relevant and cost-effective training/educational interventions; testing; implementation; evaluation; and job aids. (LRW)

A review of five of their own research findings suggests (to the authors) four strategies for preparing facilitators to help implement school improvement programs. "Facilitators" are people who support teachers in implementing new classroom practices, and can include principals, district staff, or external providers of support. The five…

Discusses why computer assisted instruction did not work in many classrooms, how older people have fought the new technology, and why implementation of computer technology as part of training has been slow. Also examines uses of the videodisc and microcomputer and the trainer's role. (CT)

Discusses the use of teletraining to solve performance problems and discusses the role of the change agent in using teletraining successfully. Highlights include identifying performance problems; characteristics of teletraining; the teletraining adoption process (TAP); teletraining implementation process (TIP); and case studies at AT&T…

The results of a study of five midwestern school districts suggest that the abandonment of program innovations or revisions may be related to a lack of understanding of how schools work as social systems and how political processes influence change efforts, as well as a failure to appreciate the many dilemmas facing those who attempt to facilitate…

Reviews studies concerning the management of instructional design and the proposed role for computer-based aids for the process. Problems of implementation are highlighted using a recent example of an evaluation of a computer-based course. A cost-benefit analysis of conversion to computer-based instruction and hardware is included. (Author/MBR)

An important first step in addressing the issue of obtaining a better fit between unemployment insurance (UI) and retraining was taken in 1970 when the federal government enacted a provision permitting workers to enroll in training without denial of benefits due to application of the work test. Little was done, however, to pursue state compliance…

Discusses ways of providing training for educators in the operation and instructional applications of microcomputers on a large scale basis, and draws on the experiences of the Minnesota Educational Computing Consortium (MECC) for examples of successful networking activities. (Author/MER)

Research on training trainers in program implementation is reviewed, focusing on the train-the-trainers model of behavioral consultation. The disconnection between research and practice in the field of behavior analysis is addressed. An emerging approach involves guiding practitioners in choosing, adapting, applying, and evaluating interventions…