Specify Use of Audiovisual Media

DOE-HDBK-1078-94

guideline for incorporating training material into the lesson is found in "Training

Media" (Attachment 26). The following steps are performed when developing

training materials.

4.3.1 Specify Use of Audiovisual Media. The use of audiovisual media in

presenting course material can help maintain trainee interest, motivation, and

improve training efficiency and effectiveness. Media to be considered include

simulation, computer-aided instruction, film or videotape, sound slide or film

strip, audio recorder, transparencies, and written handouts.

The characteristics of a learning activity may suggest that a medium with

certain audiovisual capabilities will be more effective in displaying or

transmitting the desired information to the trainees. These characteristics

(visual, visual movement, exact scale, audio) are summarized in "Learning

Activity Characteristics " (Attachment 27). Each learning activity must be

analyzed to determine which of the characteristics should be reflected in the

audiovisual capabilities of the medium. These four characteristics are not

independent and combinations of them may be needed to display or transmit

the information effectively.

The media selected should be evaluated in terms of cost and practicality of use

in the training program. Factors to be considered in these evaluations include:

Projected life-cycle costs of the selected media;

Budgetary resources available, particularly if the media requires a

substantial capital investment;

Appropriateness of the media for the number of trainees to be trained at

a given time;

Frequency of changes to media;

Compatibility with existing programs; and

Lead time required to produce the media.

4.3.2 Review and Select from Existing Materials. Developing effective training

material requires creativity and is both costly and time-consuming. Adopting

or modifying existing material can reduce training development costs.

Existing course materials should be collected and reviewed to determine if

they meet in whole or in part the needs of the training program. Review

criteria for existing materials is found in "Existing Material Review Criteria"

(Attachment 28). Material selection should be based on an evaluation of

existing material against the following criteria: