Discusses the current state of distance education in the United Kingdom and Europe. Highlights include the Open University; Open Tech, for training and vocational development to aid in economic restructuring; government's role; Open College; Open Polytechnic; Open College of the Arts; Open School, for children; and the meaning of open learning.…

Discussion of the implications of expert systems technology for decision support in special education uses examples from a programmatic line of research and development at Utah State University. Topics discussed include an explanation of expert systems, their effectiveness, and their roles in training, knowledge clarification, and progressive…

Four mentally retarded adults received single case instruction, followed by general case instruction, on washing machine and dryer use, using either actual appliances or simulation. Generalization errors were affected by single/general case instruction, not by use of simulated versus natural conditions. General case simulation was more efficient…

A study examined the effect of conceptual kinesiology training on the feedback patterns of preservice physical educators who, before and after training, viewed videotapes of familiar and novel skills then provided corrective feedback. Training resulted in significant increases in the corrective, accurate trial-specific feedback for both skills.…

Describes efforts by the Motorola Training and Education Center (MTEC) to develop and implement a model for applying the concepts of quality/continuous improvement to the design of courseware. MTEC's role as change agent is discussed; the use of an instructional systems design model is explained; and problems are identified. (LRW)

A review of nine studies on the efficacy of metacognitive interpersonal problem-solving training with students who have learning and behavior problems found demonstrated cognitive gains but less success in demonstrating that such gains were subsequently applied to actual behavior or generalized to other social behavior. (DB)

Review of research and development on the design of computer-based simulation for diagnostic training highlights the development and evaluation of eight diagnostic training systems that explored the appropriate level of student modeling needed for technology training. Topics addressed include changes in interface design, displays, and system…

Describes centers of activity in the United Kingdom that deal with educational and training technology, including specific institutions of further and higher education as well as associations, committees, and other organizations with an interest in education and training. Areas of interest, keywords, services, research and development, and…

This article presents a framework for modifying traditional auditory therapy techniques to address the needs of hearing-impaired children with cochlear implants. Emphasis is on activities that encourage carry-over of skills from structured to unstructured settings resembling listening in a natural environment. (DB)

This article examines issues related to treatment acceptability in early intervention programs, by applying concepts pertaining to collaboration, cultural difference, compliance and freedom of choice, family life cycles, and systems theory. A paradigm for designing home-based intervention plans with families of preschoolers with behavior disorders…

Discussion of online authority control in library catalogs highlights a system for shared authority work among libraries participating in the Illinois statewide online union catalog, ILLINET Online. Topics discussed include the design of the ILLINET Online database; staff training procedures; documentation in the form of manuals; communication;…

Discussion of industrial-educational cooperation focuses on the Learning Curve model, which can be used to evaluate the cost effectiveness of learning programs. Cost effectiveness for homogeneous and heterogeneous groups is discussed, and the use of computers to gather information about learning achievement is considered. (Six references) (LRW)

This study found that, in a task context, differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) effectively reduced problem behavior and increased task performance of 2 adolescents with severe disabilities (ages 15 and 19), whereas a time-out procedure was ineffective. In a leisure context, time-out was effective while DRO was ineffective.…

Describes the Instructional Design Environment (IDE), a hypermedia system for designing and developing instructional material, including texts, interactive video disks, and intelligent tutoring systems. Highlights include the problem-solving nature of instructional design; other computer-based systems for instructional design; and the use of IDE…

This review of behavioral research on teaching individuals with profound multiple handicaps found that behavior change has resulted from contingency management interventions, but the behavior changes cannot be described as beneficially affecting the individuals' quality of life. Explanations for this are offered, and suggestions for future…