This study compared the performance of 12 children (ages 4 to 10) with developmental delay, each trained in 2 tasks, one through interactive modeling (with or without verbal reinforcement) and the other through passive modeling. Results showed that passive modeling produced better rated performance than interactive modeling and that verbal…

Describes the Ford Motor Company's satellite-based communications network called FORDSTAR that links the home office to all dealers in the United States and Canada in order to offer training that will improve customer satisfaction. Equipment, interactivity, data transmission, and future possibilities are discussed. (LRW)

Employs reverse tracer techniques to identify alternative training paths for selected skilled and semiskilled occupations in Colombia. Shows that workers pursue various alternative training paths to acquire essential occupational skills. Strong public intervention in training markets should be discouraged, as choices would be narrowed and the…

This study compared selection of a preferred reinforcing stimulus just prior to a training session by either the trainer or subject with profound developmental disabilities. Results obtained with four adult subjects indicated little or no difference in reinforcement effects when reinforcing stimuli were selected by subjects rather than trainers.…

A process social skills training approach was implemented and evaluated with two high school students having mild intellectual disabilities and social skills deficits. The intervention package was successful in promoting generalization of targeted social skills from the training setting to the classroom for both students. Participants had…

This paper discusses guidelines for devising a hierarchy when fading response prompts in training individuals with developmental disabilities. Existing guidelines are seen as poorly defined, inconsistent, and lacking both theoretical and experimental support. An alternative theoretical account is proposed which suggests that prompts in a hierarchy…

Describes the use of simulation games in cross-cultural training, noting that participants in these programs are usually adults. Highlights include a history of cross-cultural training; diversity training; learning processes; motivation; practice; shared experience; examples of simulation games used for cross-cultural training; and trainers who…

A toilet training method for autistic children is described, involving selection of one optimum time per day and challenging the child to urinate. Other toileting times are added, and eventually the youngster is rewarded for remaining dry. Appended are a training data sheet and instructions on using time-out to reduce severe problems. (Author/SW)

Following training in a communication repair strategy (showing), 10 children (ages 4 to 9) with hearing loss showed a greater (but not statistically significant) tendency to use this repair behavior than similar untrained subjects. The children used more explicit repair behaviors when asked questions that requested more information. (DB)

The performance of a 3-year-old with Rett Syndrome in a Contingency Intervention Program using head and hand switches and adapted toys was assessed over 18 months. Learning contingent control of the stimuli positively motivated the child, promoted attention to toys and objects, and generalized to the classroom. (SW)

Three high school students with severe disabilities were taught turn-taking conversational skills utilizing a communication book (containing pictures pertaining to the student's interest areas). After training, which included minimal training of conversational partners, balanced conversational turn-taking increased significantly and skills…

Describes the Corporate Educational NETwork developed at IBM that uses interactive television for training. Reasons for a new training method are discussed, including lowering costs; technical details are explained, including the use of a communications satellite; course offerings are described; and results of evaluations are discussed. (LRW)

This special section on the spirit of play discusses (1) characteristics of adult play; (2) styles of playfulness; (3) the creation of environments that foster children's sense of wonder; and (4) strategies for training teachers to be playful and to be attentive to children's play. (HOD)

Examines the use of the microcomputer in video production and considers the types of equipment, the management, and the technological capabilities that need to be available to a small producer. Highlights include software packages for character generation; digitization; three-dimensional image animation; and graphics modules. (four references)…

Describes the development of interactive video technology and discusses its use for instruction and training. Topics addressed include individual learning; the use of interactive video compared to other media; use with broadcast television; and the element of time, including charges for videoconferencing for businesses. (nine references) (LRW)