Discusses the contexts where virtual reality (VR) training environments might be appropriate; examines the advantages and disadvantages of VR as a training technology; and presents a case study of a VR training environment used at the NASA Johnson Space Center in preparation for the repair of the Hubble Space Telescope. (AEF)

Discusses workplace violence with a focus on disgruntled employees and library violence; reviews recent reports and recommended training. Highlights include workplace violence in general and violence in libraries. An annotated bibliography on workplace violence includes print indexes; electronic resources; journals and newsletters; and videotapes.…

A methodology for teaching students how to use a combination lock was successfully used with 7 students (ages 11-13) with moderate mental disabilities. Discussed are entry level skills, long- and short-term objectives, picture prompts, modeling and guided practice activities, assistance, feedback, and generalization. A detailed task analysis is…

This article explains how a 12-year-old boy with profound mental retardation and autistic behaviors, living in a group home, was taught to follow number- and color-coded directions so that he could independently cook his own meals in a microwave oven. The article covers materials used, the skills taught, adaptations for classroom use, and safety…

Defines multimedia, explores uses of multimedia training, and discusses the effects and challenges of adding multimedia such as graphics, photographs, full motion video, sound effects, or CD-ROMs to existing training methods. Offers planning tips, and suggests software and hardware tools to help set up multimedia training programs. (JMV)

Strategies and considerations for establishing initial communication repertoires in young children with severe disabilities are described using a case example of a four-year-old nonverbal child. Issues include: assessing unconventional forms of communication, motivating the child when being taught new communication forms, and promoting…

Defines virtual reality and explains terminology, theoretical concepts, and enabling technologies. Research and applications are described; limitations of current technology are considered; and future possibilities are discussed, including the use of virtual reality in training for cross-cultural communication. (22 references) (LRW)

Examines the effectiveness of SIMNET (Simulation Networking), a virtual reality training simulation system, combined with a program of role-playing activities for helping Army classes to master the conditional knowledge needed for successful field performance. The value of active forms of learning for promoting higher order cognitive thinking is…

Describes a method for training technically qualified personnel to become competent instructors for corporate and industrial training programs. The method identifies 24 teacher behaviors that promote effective learning, and a copy of an Instructor Feedback Observation Form which includes these behaviors is provided. (two references) (LAE)

This study, with four preschool children who displayed difficulty maintaining independent on-task behavior, found they were able to learn a self-monitoring strategy (comprising self-talk, self-appraisal, and self-recording) and to maintain the targeted behavior improvements upon removal of the prompts. (DB)

Examines factors motivating 90 aspiring school administrators to pursue principalships and to enroll in a preservice training program. Personal motivations for challenge, responsibility, and knowledge figure prominently in career and preservice training decisions. Context and the influence of others were significant in training-program selection.…

Describes an inservice teacher training program developed to teach secondary school teachers how to search CD-ROMs, laser disks, and automated catalogs. Training sessions held during faculty meetings are described, computer activities are explained, a sample worksheet for searching an electronic encyclopedia is included, and sources for CD-ROMs…

Describes the implementation of an online catalog in the library of the National Institute for Cancer Research and the Clinical and Experimental Oncology Institute of the University of Genoa. Topics addressed include automation of various library functions, software features, database management, training, and user response. (10 references) (MES)

Presents results of interviews with automation administrators of 39 public and academic libraries that recently migrated to new automated systems. Topics discussed include motivation for migration, planning for implementation, technical decisions and considerations, training, publicity, and relations with vendors. A list of participating libraries…

A self-help skills instructional program used graduated guidance as a method of teaching independent dressing to an 11-year-old girl with profound mental retardation, seizure disorder, deafness, and blindness. Dressing skills improved with instruction and were maintained. Task analyses are presented for putting on socks, shorts, and shirts. (JDD)