Hierarchical task analysis (HTA), which requires description of a task in terms of a hierarchy of operations and plans, is reviewed and examined as a basis for making training decisions. Benefits of HTA in terms of economy of analysis and as a means of accounting for complex performance are outlined. (Author/MBR)

This article reviews curricular patterns and practices relating to education for technical services available to the prospective librarian of 1905. Establishment of a library school by Melvil Dewey, the New York State Library School, cataloging courses, and student opinions of professors and course content are covered. Forty references are cited.…

Discusses problem areas in instruction, course development, and training administration, suggesting that a dominant factor in training effectiveness is an awareness of the limitations of the human mind to absorb material within a limited time period. Why the rule of seven can increase effectiveness of all training is explained. (MBR)

Presents an activities assessment model based on Schumacher's concept of appropriate technology for assessing results of nonformal staff training activities. This model includes identifying training purposes, matching needs to capability levels, choosing source persons to judge student achievement, defining evidence and indicators, generating…

Describes a course which uses integrated electronic spreadsheets for computer assisted instruction in teaching multiple regression analysis. The process of implementing the method is explained, tips on worksheet arrangement are given, and advantages of using electronic spreadsheets are delineated. (Author/MBR)

Presents eight noninstructional strategies for improving employees' performance in any organization. These alternatives to instruction include job redesign and reassignment, recruitment, organizational development, facilities and tool redesign, incentive and feedback systems, and provision of a strong rationale for the desired performance so…

Discusses standards developed by the Educational Computer Service of the National Education Association that incorporate technical, educational, and documentation components to guide authors in the development of quality educational software. (Author/MBR)

Presents a conceptual framework for design of business games in which output is in the form of service. The framework is presented as three separate systems--the physical, the financial, and the external environment. A hotel management game is used to illustrate the discussion. (Author/MBR)

Discusses the military's use of job aids to address the following problems: how to put more training into instructional programs without increasing course length; how to save training development time and money without sacrificing student achievement; how to reduce training products; and how to increase short- and long-term performance. (MBR)

Argues that factors that create a feeling of interactivity in the human situation--response time, spontaneity, lack of distractors--should be included as prime elements in the design of human/machine systems, e.g., computer assisted instruction and interactive video. A computer/videodisc learning system for cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and its…

Representative examples of task analysis procedures were examined for common components, methods, and terminology. Resulting generic components were categorized into the task analysis phases of task description and instructional analysis. The generalized model that is presented contains a consensus of procedures comprising educational and…

Presents a process definition of task analysis and discusses how various techniques of analysis--breaking the task into its constituent elements, determining the relationship between these elements, and restructuring for performance and instruction--relate to this perspective. Two decision tables, a master design chart, and 28 references are…

Presents essential questions to be answered before planning and developing instructional programs and recommends that instructional designers be familiar with microcomputers as learning tools; use sequence, choice, and/or repetition structures in constructing programs; use flowcharting or screen mapping for a visual presentation of the program's…

Analyzes features of computer-based interactive video including sophisticated answer judging, diagnostic feedback, simulation, animation, audible tones, touch sensitive screen, function keys, and video enhancements, and matches these to the characteristics and pedagogical styles of learners. The learner characteristics discussed include internal…

Since 1976, Uris Undergraduate Library at Cornell University has provided a program in bibliographic instruction involving 140-150 classes per year and reaching between 2,500 and 3,500 students. In addition to course related and course integrated classes for students at all levels, the program includes intensive training for teacher-librarians.…