Comparisons of the training practices of large companies confirm that the delivery and financing of training is changing rapidly. Companies in the American Society for Training and Development Benchmarking Forum are delivering less training with permanent staff and more with strategic use of technology, contract staff, and external providers,…

Describes three Internet projects that use interactive multimedia: Internet-based training, intranet information management, and partnered marketing services. Development processes, strategies for utilizing emerging software tools, and techniques for converting existing training and knowledge into Internet-compatible formats are discussed.…

This study examined the learning of movement sequences in 10 adults with Down syndrome (DS) under two visual information conditions. Although DS individuals were significantly slower than neurologically typical participants, mean reaction and movement times were not affected by the visual information condition in either group. DS individuals…

Half of a group of 32 reading-disabled second and third graders deficient in phonemic segmentation skills received specific skill training. Trained children were successful at significantly improving their performance on the phonemic segmentation task in contrast to controls who made no improvement. (Author/DB)

Four autistic and severely handicapped children (ages 9-13) were taught to recruit or set the occasion for praise from an adult. After the structured instruction, the children used these behaviors in all generalization settings and were frequently successful in recruiting praise. (Author/DB)

Changing criterion methodology was used to increase the performance rate on a vocational task by an autistic young adult in a model case demonstration. Performance rate was increased by a factor of six and maintained at eight-month follow-up. (DB)

Results from a study involving 80 undergraduates indicate that acquisition and retention of a motor skill, developed through practice of a movement timing task, were facilitated by distributed practice on the continuous task, but by massed practice on the discrete task. (IAH)

Describes a simple six-step searching model designed to deliver good results without introducing complexities likely to confuse the naive user. The findings of tests that compared the results of the easy search model with expert searches are presented, and conclusions about end user training are discussed. (nine references) (CLB)

Reinforcement contingencies defined by the response deprivation hypothesis were evaluated with three moderately mentally retarded persons (ages 17, 18, and 19). In the presence of the low probability, freely available response, a consistent reinforcement effect was evident whereas in the presence of a high probability response, the reinforcement…

The study of 20 adult stutterers participating in a 32-hour program of fluency training found that results were consistent with the hypothesis that improvements in fluency during response-contingent stimulation may occur when stutterers access extant fluent speech that is not otherwise being fully utilized. (Author/DB)

Discusses how to develop and implement an open learning program when there are materials available but no trainers to use them. (JOW)

Presents a fundamental model for designing an evaluation process for the effectiveness of training. Topics include training as a process rather than a program; monitoring effectiveness prior to, during, and after the training event, including feedback; and evaluating cost effectiveness. (LRW)

Discusses new interactive training technologies; considers risks of adopting a new technology; and presents the conceptual framework of technology life cycle analysis that provides timing information for the adoption of a new technology that should be used in addition to cost-benefit analysis and technical analysis. (LRW)

Describes methods for constructing gates and slalom courses to teach paddling skills to young campers. Describes how the English Gate system, a standardized course, can be used both for instruction and to test camper's paddling skills. Recommends the use of a three-level award system (novice, intermediate, and expert) to recognize camper…

Explores the relationship between virtual reality (VR) stimulation and perceptual equivalence. Topics include perceived realism; creating a virtual illusion; displayed realism; and VR as an instructional technology. (Author/AEF)