Describes the responsibilities and the role of universities in adequately preparing teachers to use educational technologies. Topics discussed include instructional design and development of technology training; curriculum considerations, including interdisciplinary efforts; the availability of resources; and the role of faculty, including the…

Describes new educational approaches and classroom management procedures that are changing the professional education program at a business consulting firm. Highlights include a needs assessment study; skills development; specialists; adapting to change; computer-based self-study training programs; curriculum reassessment; and curriculum…

Defines performance technology, compares performance technology with instructional technology, and suggests ways to incorporate performance technology into graduate programs in instructional design and technology. Curriculum changes are discussed, similarities in analysis and needs assessment activities are highlighted, and the need for continuing…

Discussion of ways to blend onsite and online staff development training focuses on teachers' continuing education needs. Considers theory, modeling, and practice, and describes a collaborative program in a rural area in Ohio that offers a combination of online learning and live instruction that allows for peer interaction and practice. (LRW)

Discusses principles of goal-based scenario (GBS) learning environments based on an examination of situated and unsituated knowledge. Topics addressed include flexibility; learning strategies; transfer of training; motivation; retention; and the use of GBS for professional development courses. (seven references) (LRW)

Presents six trends and challenges facing educational technology: (1) increasing differentiation between education and training; (2) private sector (industrial) developments; (3) increasing politicization in education; (4) rapid growth in continuing professional education; (5) informal education replacing formal education; and (6) hardware…

Describes an online independent study course, "Telecommunications and Information Access," offered by the University of Oregon and the International Society for Technology in Education for educators who want to learn about computer-mediated communication. Course evaluation results are discussed, and recommendations for educators are…

Describes an interactive multimedia Business Practices Course, developed to help reengineer point-of-need training for professional development, in which the learner conducts a business review of a company's current operations and makes recommendations to improve productivity and increase customer satisfaction. (six references) (LRW)

Discussion of goal-based scenario (GBS) learning environments focuses on a training module designed to prepare consultants with new skills in managing clients, designing user-friendly graphical computer interfaces, and working in a client/server computing environment. Transforming the environment from teaching focused to learning focused is…

Discussion of technology's role in education and teacher training for technology focuses on the need for preservice teacher education. Conceptual skills required by teachers are described, research and service with practicing teachers are considered, and the integration of technology into teacher preparation programs is explained via an…