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)

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…

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)

Describes the design of "Pharyngitis in Louisiana," a computer-based epidemiologic case study that was created to teach students how to conduct disease outbreak investigations. Topics discussed include realistic content portrayals; graphics; interactive teaching methods; interaction between the instructional designer and the medical…

This paper describes a project researching the management of menstruation for women who have severe/profound intellectual disability. It outlines the importance of acceptance of menstruation, the possibility of partial participation in menstrual care, key factors to consider in developing skill development activities (such as attitudes of care…

Discusses the use of constructive modeling and virtual simulation in team training; describes a military application of constructive modeling, including technology issues and communication protocols; considers possible improvements; and discusses applications in team-learning environments other than military, including industry and education. (LRW)

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe development of a component in a management principles course to develop university students' virtual team skills. There were several challenges in creating and implementing this new component. The paper aims to describe how these challenges were addressed and discusses outcomes associated with this…

This booklet, which is designed as a how-to guide for training and development professionals, contains guidelines for developing and implementing work force education programs that include education, skills and training components. The rationale for work force education is presented. The general characteristics and limitations of existing programs…

A study examined the program planning steps used by trainers on the job and the differences between the identified planning steps and the program planning models outlined in the adult education literature. Training managers from five corporations with headquarters in the Pittsburgh area were interviewed, and supporting documents about each…

Although family support programs vary in program goals and service delivery, their common features constitute an approach for working with families. The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to gather basic information about how programs prepare their staff to use the family support approach and to identify commonalities and differences in their…

The use of systems analysis may help child developmental specialists improve the success rates of toilet training programs with developmentally disabled children. Such a systems analysis includes the sociocultural, family, and/or individual ecosystems of the individual. Two detailed case studies of mentally retarded elementary school age children…

The parents of a six-year-old disruptive boy were observed interacting with their son during 20 assessment-oriented, 10-minute experimental sessions. An experimental design consisting of alternately arranged baseline and self-monitoring conditions was utilized. Following the reversal-to-baseline phase, parents were given specialized training in…

This paper describes how a small group of people representing one community both identified and set in motion a strategy to deal with the perceived drug problem in their community. The emphasis of the paper is on the process by which this group moved rather than on the specific details of their efforts. The paper is actually a case study of one of…

This book is divided into four sections. Part I, "Preparing To Train," presents three reasons why supervisory training and development are worth the time and money they cost. These are: (1) Training can improve a supervisor's attitudes, knowledge, and skills, and increase his effectiveness and that of his department; (2) New knowledge--both…

A coat was adapted for a 20-year-old severely handicapped woman to control her practice of "mouthing" her hands and clothing. Velcro strips attached to the coat held the student's arms down long enough to allow for differential reinforcement of appropriate behavior, which successfully reduced the rate of mouthing. (JDD)