Developing Technical Training: A Structured Approach for Developing Classroom and Computer-Based Instructional Materials, Third Edition

Since it was first published almost twenty years ago, Developing Technical Training has been a reliable resource for both new and seasoned training specialists. The third edition of this classic book outlines a systematic approach called the Instructional Systems Design (ISD) process that shows how to teach technical content defined as facts, concepts, processes, procedures, and principles. Whether you teach "hard" or "soft" skills, or design lessons for workbooks or computers, you will find the best training methods in this book. Using these techniques, you can create learning environments that will lead to the most efficient and effective acquisition of new knowledge and skills. Throughout the book, Ruth Colvin Clark defines each content type and illustrates how to implement the best instructional methods for delivery in either print or e-learning media.

This new edition includes all new guidelines and examples illustrating how to adapt training methods for new digital learning environments including synchronous, asynchronous, and mobile technologies. Developing Technical Training is written for new training specialists or subject-matter experts to help them:

• Follow a systematic process to define training content and develop training materials
• Identify the key instructional methods including practice exercises needed to teach facts, concepts, processes, procedures, and principles
• Design powerful practice exercises that will lead to learning
• Construct test questions to match learning objectives and type of content
• Adapt training methods to print and computer-delivered training materials

About the Author

Ruth Colvin Clark, Ed.D., has focused her professional efforts on bridging the gap between academic research on instructional methods and application of that research by training and performance support professionals in corporate and government organizations. Dr. Clark has developed a number of seminars and has written six books, including e-Learning and the Science of Instruction, Building Expertise, and Efficiency in Learning, that translate important research programs into practitioner guidelines.

A science undergraduate, she completed her doctorate in instructional psychology/educational technology in 1988 at the University of Southern California. Dr. Clark is a past president of the International Society of Performance Improvement and a member of the American Educational Research Association. She was honored with the 2006 Thomas F. Gilbert Distinguished Professional Achievement Award by the International Society for Performance Improvement and is an invited Training Legend Speaker at the ASTD 2006 International Conference. Dr. Clark is currently a dual resident of Southwest Colorado and Phoenix, Arizona, and divides her professional time among speaking, teaching, and writing.