Responses of 25 mobility instructors to a survey concerning long cane instruction with preschool children with severe visual impairments found that 80 percent favored introduction of cane skills during the preschool years, that 90 percent or more agreed with almost all listed advantages, and that no particular training technique was favored. (DB)

Provides an overview of issues concerned with the design and use of computer-based simulations. Learning processes are discussed, and the SIMULATE project, which was developed to design an integrated set of authoring tools for the construction of an intelligent simulation learning environment (ISLE), is described. (15 references) (LRW)

Administrators (n=235) of programs for children with communication disorders in 11 midwestern states were surveyed to assess trends in the training and utilization of paraprofessionals. Topics included current trends in employment; paraprofessional training; use of professional and state guidelines; and district policies for supervision.…

Describes a study of desirable components for undergraduate corporate trainer preparation programs. Responses from 323 of 1,093 people listed in the 1987-88 Senior Trainer Roster related to their level of education, major, kinds of training, training methods used, and perceptions of the appropriateness of competencies taught at college. (DMM)

Presents a model training protocol for case management of child sexual abuse cases and a training protocol for the development of case planning skills. Findings from an evaluation of case management skills suggest that child protective service workers need training in formulating goals and objectives and negotiating contracts with sexually abusive…

Describes a computer simulation, CACTUS, that was developed in the United Kingdom to help police with command and control training for large crowd control incidents. Use of the simulation for pre-event planning and decision making is discussed, debriefing is described, and the role of the trainer is considered. (LRW)

Discusses CD-ROM as a cost-effective method of adding a multimedia hardware platform to office personal computers. Topics covered include hardware requirements; CD-ROM capacity; mixed-mode CD-ROMs containing audio, graphics, and text; audio-only CD-ROMs; and development costs. Examples of mixed-mode and audio-only titles are described, and…

Describes TECH 2000, a permanent gallery of interactive multimedia applications contributed by manufacturers and producers of multimedia systems. Located in Washington, DC, the gallery includes examples of multimedia technology in the areas of arts and culture, new technology, interactive training, educational tutorials, community information,…

Examines definitions and goals of the field of performance technology. Topics discussed include a model for visualizing performance technology; needs assessment; front-end analysis; the design and development of relevant and cost-effective training/educational interventions; testing; implementation; evaluation; and job aids. (LRW)

Describes an experimental study that tested the impact of a conceptual illustration on college students' understanding of the structure, function, and behavior of complex technical systems. The use of functional flow diagrams in aircraft mechanics' training is explained, a concept map analysis is discussed, and implications for technical training…

Describes the Prism Awards program sponsored by The Kids Netword, designed to encourage original thought and creativity in Canadian children ages 7-14 who aspire to become professional writers. A training program that winners participate in to develop their writing talent is described, and a sidebar provides thoughts from a winner of the program.…

This study found that, following a systematic fading of putting guides, three adults with severe/profound mental retardation increased accuracy in making putts during posttraining assessments on a practice green. Results also maintained at, or increased above, posttraining levels at a two-week maintenance check and were generalized to a local golf…

Considers the role and effectiveness of virtual reality in simulation-based training. The theoretical and practical implications of verity, integration, and natural versus artificial interface are discussed; a three-dimensional classification scheme for virtual reality is described; and the relationship between virtual reality and other…

Three adolescents with severe mental retardation were trained to request snacks from visible three-item snack sets. During subsequent stimulus control assessment sessions, one subject requested food items when no food items were present, two frequently requested a missing item when the two other items were visible, and all subjects requested…

Describes a Missouri school district's recruiting, training, and retention strategies for school bus drivers. Includes an employer reference checklist and an applicant review form. (MLF)