Montgomery, Rae (author), Morehouse, Diane (author), Stockdill, Stacey (author), and Distance Education Specialist, Telecommunications Development Center, University of Minnesota; Quality Evaluation and Development
Format:
Report
Publication Date:
1990-03
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 86 Document Number: C05624
Notes:
James F. Evans Collection, St Paul, MN : University of Minnesota, Telecommunications Development Center, 1990. 8 p. (TDC Research Report No. 10), During 1986-1989, the Telecommunications Development Center (TDC) at the University of Minnesota supported the development and evaluation of an interactive videodisc program to train and certify private applicators of pesticides. Interactive videodisc technology was preliminarily judged to be an effective and potentially applicable training method because of its features of video simulation, reinforcement, and immediate feedback and remediation for learners. The program developed with TDC support used video sequences to simulate a variety of situations applicators encounter with pesticides. The interactive videodisc contains an integrated certification test. The project evaluation examined and compared the effectiveness of the interactive videodisc method to other training and certification methods: e.g., completing a written test following a county workshop or completing a home study course. Data indicate that interactive videodisc technology performs as well as a group workshop or home study course for training and testing. Adults who have been certified for pesticide application using the interactive videodisc program report a higher degree of satisfaction with training than those who attended a workshop. County extension agents report that interactive videodisc technology provides a convenient and appropriate option for persons requiring private pesticide applicator certification.
