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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report progress concerning the design of a computer-assisted simulation training (CAST) platform for developing decision-making skills in police students. The overarching aim is to outline a theoretical framework for the design of CAST to facilitate police students’ development of search techniques in complex interactions within the built environment, learning to apply and perform the five “quick peek” techniques for information gathering, and subsequent risk evaluation. Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on Luckin's ecology of resources model of learner context informed with perspectives on reflective thinking from John Dewey and Donald Schön. The paper discusses design issues within the ecology of resources model applied on CAST for complex police situations. Findings – It is suggested that Luckin's framework with its focus on the interaction between different elements and filters in the learner's context together with Schön's perspective on reflection challenge educational designers to look beyond the immediate development of specific tools (such as the CAST in this project) and examine how these tools will be effectively embedded in the overall learning experience. Originality/value – This paper has presented two theoretical perspectives, Luckin's ecology of resources model and Schön's perspective on reflective practice as foundations for the educational design of CAST. Applying Luckin's framework as informed by Schön helps focus attention on issues that are important in the design process in order to facilitate educational transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – The words social learning have taken on an entirely new meaning as a result of the technological revolution that has brought us Web 2.0. A term that at one time would have referred in the workplace purely to the lessons that employees can learn from the process of co-operating and working together, now embraces social media tools that are increasingly ubiquitous. There is no hiding place from this revolution, and learning and development professionals must gain a full appreciation of what it means and how it can be used – both to improve a company's performance and to facilitate learning. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to digest format. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the use of the virtual learning environment WebCT to respond to a number of challenges in user education work at the University of Coventry. The effectiveness of the VLE-based method of delivering information skills training was evaluated over two years. Certain problems, were ironed out between year one and year two of the implementation of the information skills course. This led to a seeming decline in reported achievement levels between the two years. However, such diminishing of learning outcomes was more apparent than real, and masked the importance of putting in place a more reliable teaching method, one in which students become responsible for their own learning. It was concluded that this method of carrying out user education did succeed in effectively enabling larger numbers of students than before to learn information skills and at a variety of times in the academic year that are suitable to them. The goal of gaining recognition for information skills in the University at large and having these skills integrated into the curriculum is also moving nearer as a result of this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper responds to a call in the literature for methodological and empirical studies to advance research into accounting narratives, in the light of acknowledged areas of weakness and gaps in the accounting literature and with a view to investigating impression management. A general line of critique in the accounting literature points to a need to expand both the syntactic and thematic dimensions, with a particular focus on developing objective methods of analysis that allow computer-based measurement. The paper draws on the literature of managerial business communications, supported by that of applied linguistics, in bringing to accounting research a transitivity index and the application of DICTION analysis. Both have the potential to extend computer-based analysis of accounting narratives, subject to careful initial research design and specification. The potential for a richer empirical analysis is demonstrated through an illustrative empirical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The future of online business education seems quite bright. Three-fifths of the 1,700 US institutions of higher learning that are engaged in distance education – 55 percent of which offer credit-bearing business courses – already use some form of Internet-based technology. Nonetheless, there have been no large-scale studies of potential online business students in terms of their traits and desires. In this article, the background of distance education is presented. Then, the results of a major survey, involving NPD's Online Research Panel, are discussed. In all, 2,651 adults participated in the survey, 1,945 of whom indicated some interest in online business education. Eight propositions are tested, relating to demographics, courses versus programs, reasons for enrolling or not enrolling, desired features, customer service expectations, tuition, prestige and value, and institutional attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competence in written communication has been described as a fundamental underpinning of contemporary undergraduate education by both educational advisors and agencies. This article focuses on students' perceptions of their own writing styles and skills. These opinions have been considered in the context of the desires and expectations of practitioners in public relations for high standards of grammar, variety in copywriting style and a high degree of accuracy in writing. Students' perceptions of the learning environment for this vocational academic discipline also suggest a receptiveness to the integration of alternative pedagogues in the form of information technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents an evaluation of a pioneering attempt to deliver a distributed learning Web-enabled system developed and piloted at RMIT University. Data were gathered from: a survey of students undertaking three undergraduate courses and one postgraduate course at one academic department at RMIT; in-depth focus group reviews; and lecturer summaries of their experience of using the DLS. One of these courses was offered to international students in Singapore as part of a mixed face-to-face and Web-delivery format. Results indicate that the DLS is generally popular with students. Difficulties were encountered with IT technical support and this provided an unnecessary level of frustration, however, results were generally encouraging. Concludes that the DLS needs to be more effectively used to support a more engaging learning experience and that students need to take more responsibility for their learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports on a research study conducted in the UK, exploring learners’ perceptions of the quality of computer based learning materials. With an increasing emphasis on individual and collective learning to enhance competitive advantage, it is important for managers and HRD practitioners to be able to judge the quality of ICT based learning resources to assure effective learning. Yet, this is often a difficult task and a potential barrier to the use of computer based learning. In addition, learners’ perceptions may affect the quality of learning outcomes. The article presents a learner evaluation tool, a feature of which is the use of qualitative methods to elicit learners’ experiences. Research findings suggest that the factors influencing learning could be both positive and negative, highlighting the complexity and subjectivity of such evaluation. This is an important step towards recognition of how learning might be hindered or helped within the ICT context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a practical means of combining library outreach efforts with user education techniques. The Office of Research Services and the Reference Department of Jackson Library, both of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, collaborated to purchase information resources and to provide grants workshops. Through conversations, print and electronic resources were identified with an emphasis on eliminating duplication of effort and cost containment. Collaboration between the two separate academic units allowed the sharing of responsibilities for planning, advertising and conducting the workshop. This article exemplifies the importance of building on an established collaborative effort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on a study conducted in 1998 at the Louisiana State University College of Agriculture on using technology in the classroom environment. Results indicate that students are generally computer literate with 80 per cent either owning or planning to purchase a personal computer in the next year. Eighty-five per cent prefer computer-supported teaching that includes the Internet and multimedia classroom technologies. Sixty-five per cent of students believe that computer-based technology in the classroom is very important regarding future competitiveness in the job market. Finally, significant gaps were found between student proficiency and desire to learn more about many technologies including databases, presentation graphics, video presentations and Web page design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stemming from the need to develop a teaching programme for the delivery of computer auditing/computerised system audit that involved a more hands-on approach, this research describes the identification and creation of a case study, workbook and a spreadsheet of source data for students. Results indicate that students prefer using the computer-based case study to learn practical auditing techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Looks at the findings of a survey of 115 Saudi Arabian managers who had completed their undergraduate education in the United States in relation to the informational and computing resources and their applications in Saudi organisations. Considers the role of computers in business and highlights the lack of specialists able to train within the country. Concludes that whilst the skills to use information technology exist, they are limited by cultural resistance to change, traditional viewpoints, authoritarian leadership and bureaucracy. Advocates government encouragement and ties with developed nations to help change such attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of online education creates opportunities for positive education changes centering on improved learning rather than on reaping economies of scale. We can develop online strategies for using class time more productively; courses can be arranged to correspond to the varying learning curves of different students; and degrees can be tailored to the actual competencies students achieve. Further, the online world based in hypertext and virtuality creates the possibility of providing entirely new educational materials and environments. These improvements depend on faculty seizing control of the way technology is used in education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an instructional medium, the World Wide Web offers a multitude of options for educators. This paper highlights the design, implementation and use of the WWW to provide and evaluate library instruction including: a curriculum- integrated tutorial for learning online resources, critical thinking and other information literacy skills; "Ask a librarian" e-mail reference service; a multi-user object-oriented environment (MOO) for real-time course-integrated instruction and synchronous reference service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer-based video facilitates the creation of "movies' recording actions on a computer screen complete with a voice-over by the tutor. This paper describes the application of computer-based video technology for point of need instruction on database searching. The Lotus ScreenCam software was used, being both inexpensive and readily available as part of the Lotus SmartSuite bundle. Initially, eight short movie clips were created, covering the techniques for searching PsycLIT on CD-ROM and the ISI citation indexes via the BIDS gateway. The movie clips were made available on library PCs where students search these databases. The paper first examines educational theory to identify the role of computer-based video within the educational framework. The movies created at Cardiff University are then described and the issues in design and implementation discussed. Finally, the effectiveness of this method of database searching instruction is explored and compared with more traditional point-of-need instruction techniques such as the handout, computer-based tutorials and staff assistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Control charts are a vital quality management tool. Attribute schemes are of particular (though not exclusive) interest to the customers of manufacturing organisations. A new computer assisted, experiential approach to training staff in attribute (defects) sampling methods is described. The package in question is standalone and allows a variety of chart options to be simulated. Schemes can be appraised both individually and on a pairwise basis. “Live” results from the simulation can be compared with standard benchmark information incorporated in the program. A gaming facility additionally provides trainees with a means of assessing changes in their skill level and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses recent developments in employee assistance programmes, which have led to their being both proactive and reactive. Since the US Department of Labor decided that programmes should begin with education and prevention, the use of computer-assisted instruction (CAIs) programmes has increased. Discusses the development of these programmes covering both advantages and disadvantages. Concludes that they are not a panacea, but are useful when used with other tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of MacCycle, a multimedia visual database of the female menstrual cycle, stemmed from two related events. First, the School of Biological and Medical Sciences at St Andrews University began to make contingency plans to update a computer classroom which had been used to teach physiology for about five years. Second, staff retirements were about to change the profile of the School's teaching coverage in the key area of preclinical medicine. We anticipated that the introduction of a more flexible delivery system for the histology course might go some way to offsetting potential staff shortages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Part I reviewed the major theories of learning and instruction which have influenced the design of recent computer-based systems to support education and training. Part II outlines the systems developed on the basis of these theories. Successful systems are limited currently to classes of learning task which are well structured. Argues that less well-structured tasks demand a different approach to training and are best served by technology designed to support collaborative learning in small groups. Outlines some practical limits on the creation and exploitation of technology. Discusses implications for future developments of technological aids to training and training research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When MSAS decided to improve further the processing of freight forwarding and tracking transactions by the introduction of new information technology (IT), the need for an effective and efficient training programme emerged as one of the key determinants of the project's success. Describes the implementation of an information technology solution from the training perspective in Australia, Singapore and the UK. Also examines the key operator concept used to support training in each of the regions and the employee reaction to the training methodology, computer-based training (CBT). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the support that Lloyds Banking Group is offering to employees taking maternity, paternity and adoption leave.Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides details of an e-learning course developed with UK executive-coaching company Talking Talent, which is part of a broader initiative that will see Lloyds seek to support all employees – especially working parents and their managers – through innovative training, a strong focus on flexible working and a new code of responsibility that demonstrates the bank's commitment to work-life balance.Findings – The paper explains that the aim of this enhanced support will be to ensure that employees have a consistently good experience and that Lloyds retains employees before, during and after transitions.Practical implications – The paper details separate research by Talking Talent that examines some of the pinch points in women's career paths and considers how these can best be overcome.Social implications – The paper contains useful information on helping employees taking maternity, paternity and adoption leave to make the most of the experience.Originality/value – The paper describes Lloyds Bank's overall package of support, guidance and advice for employees during key transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faced with large-scale modernization and change, the UK's National Health Service has turned to the Internet to help busy nurses deal will day-to-day leadership issues, such as problem solving, conflict situations and handling change. As part of the national nursing leadership program, an award-winning e-learning project has been developed to deliver computer-based training to a large number of nurses at low cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details how a high technology "pod" is being used to bring online learning into small and medium size firms in the UK's East Midlands for employees to use when and where it suits them. Describes how the so-called "Learning Works" project has been made possible through the partnership and support of organizations ranging from Loughborough College and Loughborough University, to the adult learners' organization, NIACE. Explains how the scheme could serve to increase the flexibility of employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports that Research by a group of six organizations which began in January 1998 has produced a system that adapts any piece of computer-based training (CBT) material to each user's preferred learning style. The result of this research is a ten-hour multimedia training in electrical systems (TEST) program, providing training on the European CENELEC wiring regulations. However, the consortium that has developed the program believes that the infrastructure they have developed can be used for any piece of CBT.

This article focuses on Trainer Village, the new Web-based information technology trainer locator service launched by Training Direct in Great Britain. Subscribers to the service have access to a database of over 1, 600 names and full contact details. Users can search by geographic location, course, accreditation and even availability via a real-time diary system, updated by the trainers themselves. Trainers Village offers services for those who are in need of freelance IT trainer. For further details, contact information is also provided.

This article reports on the production of bespoke computer based training materials by Skillchange Systems. The training materials were accredited by the Institute of IT Training under its Standards for Technology Based Training (TBT). The standards include a Code of Practice for TBT Providers; Standards for TBT Learning Materials and Competencies for Developers of Learning Materials. The Code of Practice is the basis for the Institute's TBT Provider Accreditation Programme, through which the Institute maintains and monitors a register of approved providers of TBT learning materials.

This article reports on the computer software training offered by 21st Century Network, a new division of VarTech Systems Inc. in the U.S. Accessible via the Internet 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the online university offers a range of more than 125 courses all with full audio-visual animation on a monthly subscription basis. Using a patented online multimedia technology, computer software training courses can be streamed into offices, schools or home computers. Courses are being offered in beginner, intermediate and advanced levels of instruction.

This article focuses on the plan of Video Arts to make their Interactive Range more easily available to consumers via the asymmetric digital subscriber line technology from British Telecom. Initially, the eight products in the Interactive Range from Video Arts will be available to users over asymmetric digital subscriber line. This means that these training solutions will be as quick and easily accessible as changing TV channels or flicking through a magazine. Data will be carried at a rate of between ten and 40 times the speed of a conventional modem. The Video Arts Interactive self-learning series addresses the fundamental day-to-day skills for improving performance in the workplace. Using a programme of audio and video clips, the series is designed to be used time and time again without losing the user's interest. The format allows each individual to work through a course at a time and place convenient to them, and enables the manager to monitor and evaluate progress at the same time.