Customizing off-the-shelf training materials to fit learner needs may include revisions such as making student exercises, case studies, and role plays more relevant and incorporating critical incidents and action learning principles. Customizers should be aware of copyright and intellectual property issues. (JOW)

Instructions on how to make your own training kit for under $100 are presented. The kit contains all the essential training tools, and the various uses of the briefcase as a teaching tool for the trainer are discussed. (BP)

The types of packaging and packaging materials to use for training materials should be determined during the planning of the training programs, according to the packaging market. Five steps to follow in shopping for packaging are presented, along with a list of packaging manufacturers. (MF)

An explanation of the way learning materials are developed at the American College is offered as a model for trainers developing their own materials. Personnel functions, the development of the construct lesson plan, and a videotape project are discussed. Suggestions for the individual trainer are offered. (EC)

Information mapping is a unique method of organizing, writing, sequencing, and formatting learning and reference materials. The technique is applied to training, and a chart is provided to help trainers decide whether they should use information mapping in the preparation of their training materials. (Author/MW)

The time and trouble taken with printed materials will most certainly be reflected in the success of the training program. In a discussion with graphic artist Richard J. Lionetti, various aspects important in communicating trainer needs to the artist are presented. (BP)

Gives step-by-step guidelines for planning, designing, and writing useful training manuals for task performance and equipment operation. Steps include finding out what the worker needs to know to do the job, organizing materials in proper sequence, stating precise operations, and then trying out the instructions. (MF)

By being aware that any training product contains a potential change problem, and by planning for change in presentation format and materials, frustration and unnecessary expense can be avoided. (AG)

A trainer specializing in producing media packages for sales training tells what they are, how to use them, and how to put them together. (Author)