Discussion of the use of online information services focuses on a computer-based model for training users on the efficient use of online services that was developed by Communications Canada. Obstacles to the use of online services are described, including reluctance to use the technology, high costs, and remote locations. (LRW)

The first step in engineering the instruction of dental psychomotor skills, task analysis, is explained. A chart details the procedural, cognitive, desired-criteria, and desired-performance analysis of a single task, occlusal preparation for amalgam restoration with carious lesion. (MSE)

Discusses extending distance education into Inuit settlements across the Canadian North and illustrates the need for adult education for preemployment training. Describes the Atii pilot project, carried out in 1993, and its potential for developing the newly self-governed territory of Nunavut by upgrading Inuit management at a distance. (AEF)

Male firefighters participated in a standard or modified ropes course to determine if risk-taking propensity might change as a result of adventure training. The expectation that a modified course simulating real firefighting would better transfer such training to the workplace was not substantiated. Both samples increased their risk-taking…

Discusses the value of wordless picture books. Topics addressed include children's attitudes toward wordless books; historical tradition; sequencing; illustrative details; the use of humor; the development of oral and written language skills; self-confidence; creative thought; and natural language competencies. (Contains 20 references.) (LRW)

The effects of a criminal diversion project on recidivism rates are described for late-age adolescent defendants with learning disabilities (n=73). Recidivism rates were 12% for the project completers, 40% for noncompleters, and 38% for nontreated subjects. The importance of skill development and interventions targeted toward this population is…

Based on the idea that pharmacy students need to develop effective verbal communication skills, a study looked at successful verbal communication, communication breakdown, and communication repair behaviors in pharmacy classes and practice settings and in the perceptions of students, professors, and preceptors. Common deficiencies and recommended…

Provides three activities that help develop library skills for elementary school students. One describes a riddle card game that reviews research book terms; one explains a book report activity; and one focuses on cooperative problem-solving activities to find titles by favorite authors. (LRW)

Compares the effects on college students in a study skills course of five hours of instruction in outlining; networking, a form graphically organizing materials; and memory techniques and library research. Though all groups showed improvement in comprehension and retention of texts, the outlining group doubled the gains realized by the others.…

This article describes the communication roles of both caregivers and professionals who have contact with young children with disabilities. It presents principles that underlie adult communicative strategy use with this population, along with specific suggestions for facilitating communicative competence. (Author/DB)

High school or college students serve as sports tutors for unpopular elementary school boys. Once the child's skill level is adequate, the child is placed in an important position the next time a game is played. Treated children are often described as more self-confident, happier, and less disruptive in class. (LKS)

Three elementary-aged students with multiple severe disabilities acquired basic communication and motor skills within cooperative-learning activities conducted in their general education classrooms and later generalized skills to other situations. Students without disabilities in the cooperative-learning groups achieved targeted academic…

The concept of student motivation is discussed, with applications for facilitating competence development in special and remedial education. Consideration is given to 4 prerequisites to competence development, historical obstacles to motivational interventions, motivational systems theory (MST), and 17 MST principles for motivating students. (SW)

The importance of providing option-rich environments that facilitate the growth of individuals with disabilities toward self-determination is emphasized. Of concern is the centrality of self-determination, constraints to self-determination, and strategies to encourage individuals to become self-determined. (Author/SW)

A 5-year-old preschool child with a visual impairment and significant developmental delay underwent training to learn to reach and locate objects from a sitting position and to locate and move toward given objects in the environment using the Infant Sonicguide. Time constraints prevented achievement of the second goal. (Author/SW)