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Applications and analyses of emerging information technologies for systemic change |
Sunday, May 29, 2005 |
2:30 PM–3:50 PM |
Joliet (3rd floor) |
Area: OBM; Domain: Service Delivery |
Chair: Mark P. Alavosius (Western Michigan University) |
Abstract: Information technologies have made great strides in the last decade. There are vast potentials for the integration of multimedia with behavioral technologies. Internet-based community interventions, video-based media campaigns, and instructional design for organizations are a few possible areas to which technologies have been successfully applied. The purpose of this symposium is to elucidate relevant applications for modern information technology within behavior analysis. To illustrate this point, examples will be given from organizational and community contexts. |
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Behavior Change via the Internet |
MATTHEW L. PORRITT (Western Michigan University), Alan D. Poling (Western Michigan University), Mark P. Alavosius (Western Michigan University) |
Abstract: This presentation is a methodological discussion of technologies andtechniques for applying behavioral treatments via the internet. The natureand amenability of behavioral treatments and research in various settings tointernet technologies is discussed. Applications includeorganizational change, verbal behavior, self-management, and culturalanalysis. Research conducted and potential research is presented.Applications of monetary contingency management, social contingencymanagement, feedback, and antecedent control using internet and computertechnologies are presented and future research suggested. |
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Enabling Communications with Geographically Dispersed Organizations Using Customized Media |
GRISEL M. PUERTOS (Western Michigan University), Bismarck J. Manes (Western Michigan University), Mark P. Alavosius (Western Michigan University) |
Abstract: Multimedia instructional materials are useful for a myriad of organizational issues, and serve as a tool for research and the enhancement of target performances. A video was designed, within the context of an auto-recyclers self-insured group (SIG), serving two functions: (1) to enable communication among members of the SIG about the importance of utilizing the appropriate tools while on the job, and (2) to show actual workers modeling appropriate safety and work practices. In the SIG, a group financial incentive is in effect for injury prevention and other risk management techniques among group members. Members of SIGs collectively pool funds to cover the workers' compensation costs incurred by the group, and unused worker's compensation funds are redistributed back to member companies (proportional to the amount of money contributed by each member and the losses occurring due to injuries). This presentation details the methodological issues involved with designing and developing video media that address the needs and concerns within this context, some constraints that may arise while planning and developing such media, and possibilities for future uses of video technology when addressing organizational needs. |
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Interactive Media to Train Work Safety Practices in Dining Services |
BRIAN J. CROWLEY-KOCH (Western Michigan University), Sigurdur Oli Sigurdsson (Western Michigan University), Mark P. Alavosius (Western Michigan University) |
Abstract: The purpose of the project was to inform employees, by use of a video, employed at a university dining services about back safety, including: why back safety is important, proper ways of lifting, improper ways of lifting, tips for back safety, and actually scoring sample behavior of safe and unsafe lifting behavior. The setting was the university dining services of a Midwestern university. The target behaviors addressed in the video were taken from a behavioral checklist that was a part of ongoing safety research in the dining services setting. The behaviors were introduced in the video and then safe and an unsafe way of performing the behaviors were shown in different contexts. Integral with the video there was a scoring section where the viewer scored different situations using a checklist created from all the material covered in the movie. This gave viewers some practice on identifying safe and unsafe behaviors. This presentation describes development of our content and format, and considers the value of interactive media. |
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Multimedia Program Design for the 21st Century: A CD-Rom-Based Distance Learning System for Conference Volunteers |
BISMARCK J. MANES (Western Michigan University), Grisel M. Puertos (Western Michigan University), Matthew L. Porritt (Western Michigan University), Michelle VanWagner (Western Michigan University), Mark P. Alavosius (Western Michigan University) |
Abstract: Information technologies have made great strides in the last decade. There are vast potentials for the integration of multimedia with behavioral technologies. Computer-based instructional systems can be developed that incorporate video, graphics, and text for teaching any type of training content. In addition, systems may have interactive components which allow the trainee to actively respond and receive feedback on training content. Internet technology may also be utilized to capture and stream data to the behavior scientist wherever she or he may be. This opens many doors to instructional designers, teachers, or anyone interesting in distance learning. Furthermore, this technology clearly fits with established behavioral instructional methodologies, such as Keller’s (1974) personalized system of instruction (PSI). This paper discusses the development of a CD-Rom based distance learning system for orienting conference volunteers to tasks and protocol. A description of the tool is provided as well as how it was created and the problems that arose during this process. The paper concludes with a discussion of how this technology is relevant to behavior analysis and outline future directions for research in this arena. |
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