Videodisc Technology Training in Florida:
The University of Central Florida's 
Instructional Technology Resource Center

Videodisc technology is becoming increasingly useful and
popular in education. Over fifty percent of the school
districts in the United States are now using videodiscs. The
benefits of using videodiscs in instruction include a reduction
in learning time, increased mastery of subject matter,
increased retention, more consistency in instruction, faster
and easier access to information, and greater motivation and
learning enjoyment.

Recently, the state of Florida provided a videodisc player for
every public school in the state. While this was a positive
move for Florida educators and for technology in education, it
provided an immediate and unique challenge for staff
development in schools, school districts, and teacher training
programs such as the University of Central Florida's
Instructional Technology Resource Center.

The Center, which is funded by the Florida Department of
Education, gave immediate priority to supporting this
initiative by: 

	- updating and revising the new technologies brochures
	  series; 

	- developing a special videodisc issue of the Center's
	  quarterly newsletter, The Printout; and 

	- exploring the cost of a toll-free hotline for
	  educators to use to get information about videodisc
	  technology.

The second phase of the project included the design and
delivery of workshops and the establishment of a videodisc
preview center. Site-based, hands-on training on how to use and
integrate videodisc technology was designed and developed. A
variety of workshop formats were implemented in an attempt to
meet the needs of a variety of groups and organizations who
contracted with the Center for training. Educators may visit
the Center to select videodiscs, or they may request videodiscs
by phone or FIRN (Florida Information Resources Network), the
state's telecommunication network.

In the current phase of the project, the Center is packaging
staff development materials which include the materials
developed in the first two phases, many of which have been
revised an updated, and new materials which include
transparency masters of the Videodisc Trainer's Tool,
camera-ready directions for workshop activities, ideas for
using barcodes with videodiscs, lesson plans, and workshop
outlines.  All materials are free and may be reproduced without
charge for use in training provided credit is given to the
Instructional Technology Resource Center, the University of
Central Florida, and the Florida Department of Education.

Currently, a study is being conducted to compare the immediate
cognitive recall, retention, attitude, and practical
application by learners experiencing different forms of
training related to videodisc technology; an additional
variable of learning style, cognitive style, or attitude toward
technology is also being explored.

For more information, contact:
Donna Baumbach, Mary Bird, or Sally Brewer
Instructional Technology Resource Center
College of Education
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL  32816
.