Discussion of formative evaluation focuses on the history of its use by behavioral psychologists, and refutes the notion that it is a new idea. Names that have been used for the evaluation process are reviewed, and examples of formative evaluation in a variety of settings are given. (11 references) (LRW)

Describes a submethodology for using information from the analysis phase during the design phase when developing technical training. The development of instructional materials is discussed; Keller's ARCS (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, and Satisfaction) motivation model and Gagne's events of instruction are compared; and the development and use…

Discusses the use of annotated examples by performance technologists as an instructional aid or as a performance aid to focus a learner's attention on the most important characteristics of a written product. Four annotated examples are presented and explained, and steps to create annotated example are described. (three references) (LRW)

Presents a procedure for creating and using an instructional development tracking system, an information management system which utilizes tables, graphs, and charts to help handle the mass production of instructional materials. The application of each step of the procedure to a fictional project is described to illustrate the process. (MBR)

Discusses how to work with outside vendors to develop multimedia training programs. Highlights include how to find the right vendor; and requests for proposals, including ownership rights and licensing agreements, storyboards, photo or video shoots, and payment schedules. (LRW)

Describes an adaptation of the Component Display Theory to a corporate training setting where the principal developmental effort was done by content experts. An overview of the Component Display Theory is included with a case study illustrating the application process. Examples of the resultant training products are included. (MBR)

Presents guidelines for using color effectively in instructional communication. Topics addressed include an explanation of color mixing; color schemes based on the color wheel; contrast; background, text, and highlights; consistency; symbolic associations; and color testing. (four references) (LRW)

Makes a distinction between the instructional development which only translates present curriculum into more effective instruction and that which develops both curriculum and instruction. A management structure for developing materials of the "translation" variety is outlined and a writing and programing technique--information mapping--is…

Describes six guiding principles to help training developers use content experts more efficiently and effectively to ensure training materials contain accurate, complete, and relevant information. Topics discussed include assessing content experts and the use of productivity tools, including checklists, test validation forms, and point sheets.…

Discussion of instructional design in large organizations highlights a project management approach. Topics addressed include the role of the instructional designer; project team selection; role of the team members; role of the project manager; focusing on what employees need to know; types of project teams; and monitoring time and responsibility.…

Addresses the four questions raised by Yelon about use of pretests with instruction--should I pretest; on what should I pretest; how should I pretest; how should I adjust to results--and answers them from the perspective of instructional designers conducting formative evaluations to improve quality of instruction under development. (MBR)

Describes characteristics of structured text design; benefits of its use in training; benefits for developers of training materials and steps in preparing training materials. A case study illustrating how the structured text design process solved the sales training needs of the Mercedes-Benz Truck Company is presented. (MBR)

The first of two articles designed to provide guidelines for the instructional development phase of instructional systems development focuses on general instructional methods supporting all instructional tasks. Teaching methods that support selective attention, processing in working memory, and connecting in long-term memory are described and…

A mini-pilot test was conducted by the Department of Labor's Employment Standards Administration to develop training on enforcing the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act. The situation that necessitated the test is presented; mini-pilot test examples are explained; and pros and cons of the mini-pilots are examined. A sidebar contains suggestions…

Describes four training guides developed by the Water and Sanitation for Health Project for use in rural water supply and sanitation projects in developing countries, explains the development process, offers insights gained from the process, and presents five considerations for designing training in third world countries. (MBR)