With increasing interest in competency and outcome-based education, and the blending of formal and informal learning, there is increasing need for credentials to match these learning paradigms. In this article, the authors discuss the benefits, challenges, and potential future directions for open digital badges--one potential alternative…

The aim of the article is to describe the assessment model adopted by the SCINTILLA Project, a project in Italy aimed at the online vocational training of young, seriously-disabled subjects and their subsequent work inclusion in smart-work mode. It will thus describe the model worked out for evaluation of the training program conceived for the…

This article raises questions about the use of needs assessment by those seeking to improve the performance of organizations and individuals. While the discrepancy model of needs assessment has enjoyed a long history and is widely accepted, the author states that it has several undesirable consequences in terms of its impact. This article offers…

This article describes one school district department's efforts to train and support teachers in providing effective curriculum, instruction, and assessment methods to their students. This large, K-12 district embraces the spectrum of low to high SES schools, a large number of gifted students from diverse populations, and a variety of gifted…

From a review of instructional design theories, research, and practice, the author has derived his "First Principles of Instruction". In this article, he suggests a rubric for using these principles to evaluate existing instruction. The article presents a Course Evaluation form and accompanying demonstration and application rubrics that enable the…

Contemporary changes in pedagogy point to the need for a higher level of video production value in most classroom video, replacing the default video protocol of an unattended camera in the back of the classroom. The rich and complex environment of today's classroom can be captured more fully using the higher level, but still easily manageable,…

Considers fundamentals of effective training and focuses on the evaluation of training. Describes the 3 Box System, which provides a framework for discussing: (1) basic training needs and priorities; (2) added value training, including ROI (return on investment); evaluation; and (3) prioritizing training budgets. (LRW)

Discusses and explains relationships between performance technology and instructional development. Highlights include a concept analysis of performance technology; types of evaluation; instructional development as a subset of performance technology; front-end analysis; sample performance technology interventions; and differences between…

Discusses design and evaluation concepts and methodologies in the context of comprehensive system design (CSD) and considers the concept of error throughout. Topics addressed include six core concepts of CSD; design processes; evaluation concepts; evaluation processes, including criterion-related validity, construct validity, and systemic…

Discusses the money wasted on ineffective training programs and the resulting surge in interest among training professionals in conducting learning evaluation and return on investment (ROI) measurement. Describes Kirkpatrick's four-level evaluation concept; questions regarding measurement validity and reliability; and new developments in learning…

Discusses formative evaluation for multimedia instruction and presents guidelines for formatively evaluating multimedia instruction concurrent with analysis, design, and development. Data collection criteria that include group involvement, data collection strategies, and information to be gathered are presented, and rapid prototypes and…

Describes the general principles of a nonexperimental learning theory-based courseware evaluation which calls attention to instructional sequences in the courseware to determine if the sequence is programed around learning principles. The results of using this type of evaluation for two computerized training devices are summarized. (MBR)

Discusses development of rational set generator--an overall method for creating a rational set of examples to teach concepts and evaluate student knowledge levels--which combines formulas for creating examples measuring discrimination and generalization. Also discussed are results of a study to test the efficacy of a rational set generator. (MBR)

Discusses steps educators should work through when reviewing educational software, e.g., role playing intended users, analyzing instructional approach, identifying inaccuracies, using software and giving incorrect responses to see how software responds, and assessing the software's human values criteria. An educational software review form is…

Describes a project developed by AT&T (American Telephone and Telegraph) and Indiana University that focused on the needs and tasks of sales personnel by building prototypes of components of a performance support system. Combining innovative technology to support a changing work environment is discussed, and the evaluation process is reported.…