Discusses results of a survey of trainers in midwest business and industry to identify the different data collection methods they used to determine job and task training needs as well as organizational and individual training needs within their organizations. (MBR)

Discusses the heuristics that should guide the creation of good examples to be used in instructional design. The elements of accuracy, clarity, attractiveness, and transferability are described, and an example of the concept of role conflict is given. (LRW)

Examines two key considerations related to the question of whether computer-based training is justified--training objectives, and costs of developing computer-based programs. Questions on training content, skills to be performed by trainees, specific training objectives, development and revision costs, salaries, and cost estimates are presented to…

Discussion covers instructional design for the military during World War II and how this limited experience provided a basic assumption for the paradigm that describes how professionals in the performance and instruction technology field should approach problems. Conceptual soundness of the assumptions on which the profession is based is…

Discusses problem areas in instruction, course development, and training administration, suggesting that a dominant factor in training effectiveness is an awareness of the limitations of the human mind to absorb material within a limited time period. Why the rule of seven can increase effectiveness of all training is explained. (MBR)

Discusses the military's use of job aids to address the following problems: how to put more training into instructional programs without increasing course length; how to save training development time and money without sacrificing student achievement; how to reduce training products; and how to increase short- and long-term performance. (MBR)

Discusses structure, credibility, and use of the Computer Based Training (CBT) Advisor, an expert system designed to help managers make judgements about course selection, system selection, cost/benefits, development effort, and probable success of CBT projects. (MBR)

Highlights the major differences between software training and reference materials, examines the key features that should be present in both if they are to be effective, and presents a checklist for use in evaluating the documentation that accompanies microcomputer software. (MBR)

Examines results of a survey of corporations with fewer than 100 to over 10,000 employees to determine training consultant use. Survey questions covered the following topics: proportion of employees receiving formal training; material development; training staff; training types; methods used to locate consultants; and consultant fees and duration…

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)

This article presents guidelines designed to assist instructional developers in improving their performance in workload estimates for prospective training development projects. Also provided is a description of an instructional systems development model for estimating, which includes front end analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation. (LRW)

Presents some ideas for using simulation games to improve human performance, serve as motivators for instruction, provide opportunities for evaluating learning, and test research models. The potential for instructional technologists to diversify approaches to learning and meet learning needs is also discussed. Fifteen references are listed. (MER)

The goals of a series of simulation games devised for a graduate level course in leadership models and strategies were to aid students in understanding the process of change, conflict resolution, bargaining and negotiating skills, motivation and self-awareness techniques, and decision-making strategies. Four references are provided. (MER)

Examines an instructional systems design (ISD) model used by Bell Laboratories as an illustration of how heuristics can be brought to bear upon the design and development of instructional materials. Ten references are listed. (Author/MER)

This discussion of learning motivation focuses on the four basic concepts of the ARCs Motivation Model: getting learners' attention, showing relevance, building confidence, and generating satisfaction. Strategies for dealing with these concerns are suggested. The second article in this series will deal with the design process. (LRW)