Perspectives on Dissemination and Knowledge Utilization. Report of a Symposium Presented to the Mid-South Educational Research Association (November 1980) [microform] / C. M. Achilles and Others

Collected here are symposium reports addressing the dissemination of theory and research to educational practitioners, specifically considering the National Diffusion Network (NDN) as an example of effective information delivery. An introductory theoretical review by C. M. Achilles of the state-of-the-art in dissemination poses questions for research, development, training, technology, evaluation, and future prospects. The second paper by Gary Peevely examines aspects of two basic types of dissemination delivery systems: the field or user-driven system that passively responds to consumer inquiries and relies on the continued use of its products for viability, and the product/producer-driven system relying on the development of new products that are actively sold to consumers. The organization and roles of dissemination agencies are analyzed in the third report by M. I. McConnell. Major factors in the development of an agency's structural configuration are funding sources, the client's knowledgeability and needs, and the agency's objectives. A potential expanded role for institutions of higher education in a producer-driven dissemination system is delineated in the fourth paper by I. L. King. The final report by M. N. Lintz outlines information for project developers/demonstrators and trainers as disseminators, including the NDN process of adopting a project as an exemplary program and selection and certification procedures for project trainers. (MJL)