Development, validation and dissemination of instructional materials: an analysis

This paper describes the activities of SIMO (Self-Instructional Materials in Ophthalmology), a 2-year project to develop four slide/tape units and one videocassette in basic ophthalmology for medical students. The background of the project, some observations regarding pitfalls in the developmental process, data on product evaluation, and factors in effective dissemination are presented. Instructional effectiveness was documented using measures of knowledge, skill in recognizing abnormalities, and performance of diagnostic and management techniques.