This document, one of five volumes comprising a training program on instructional materials development designed for educational research and development personnel, gives an overview of the program and provides practice in using the materials. This volume is divided into five sections describing the purposes of this orientation manual. Section 1 provides an overview of the materials development process. Section 2 provides initial practice in using the handbook. Section 3 provides initial practice in doing workbook exercises associated with specific sections of the handbook. Section 4 provides initial practice in doing the final exercises that are performed upon completion of each subvolume of the handbook. Section 5 introduces key concepts applicable to all major tasks in the development process. (PD)