Connie Callan, Director
National Environmental Technology Network
The University of New Mexico

Budget cuts and increasing demands for a technically competent workforce are problems facing industry and government today. Training requirements must be met in a cost-effective manner. The videoconference format is a proven method that saves money on training and travel costs. The videotapes produced from training programs extend the productivity in any facility. However, designing a training series that meets the needs of a diverse audience composed of scientists, engineers, and management from government, industry, and universities is extremely challenging.

National Environmental Technology Network (NETN), a program of The University of New Mexico's School of Engineering, has a proven track record in developing and producing effective videoconference training programs for industry, government, national laboratories, and universities. National awards from the United States Distance Learning and the United States Environmental Protection Agency attest to NETN's leadership in providing advanced technical training using distance learning techniques.

This presentation describes how to develop, produce, and market an environmental television series and reveals the keys to successful videoconferencing by describing the past successes of NETN's distance learning training program. The presentation characterizes how videoconferences can be used as university-developed advanced technical training for shifting the workforce from defense projects to environmental remediation and protection. It also illustrates how the effectiveness of this training is enhanced by partnerships that evolve between NETN, the presenters, and the audience. Additionally, the presentation addresses the technical aspects of past series.

Professionals must continue their education throughout their careers to stay abreast of latest technologies. For example, to keep up with developments in their field, engineers require retraining on an average of every four years. The need varies, depending on the precise discipline. Additionally, many technical professionals currently face significant changes in their careers, as their positions shift from defense-related activities to environmental fields.

With budget cuts and increasing demands for a technically competent workforce confronting industry and government today, the emerging training requirements must be met cost effectively. The videoconference format represents a proven method for communicating the most up-to-date information concerning technical, environmental, and management topics. According to Daniel Barron, distance education is a means of "taking quality education to the people who need and want it. Distance education is to instruction what bookmobiles and branch libraries are to reading."¹

Through videoconferencing, thousands of professionals can receive the most current information and participate in training programs simultaneously, via satellite, without incurring the cost of travel. Each series is structured to stimulate creative interaction and promote a significant exchange of information among technical professionals and stakeholders confronting the increasingly complex environmental challenges of today's world.

Broadcast on C-band, Ku-band, and through the National Technological University (NTU), these videoconference series can be received anywhere in the United States. Most organizations and facilities already have the necessary equipment for receiving these broadcasts. Those not having this capacity can purchase a satellite dish for a minimum investment, a one-time cost for equipment.

Training program videotapes and manuals extend the capacity for training in any facility. Those who participate in the live training sessions have an opportunity to review the material and clarify important points. The programs offer every participant the opportunity to interact through question/answer sessions, via a toll-free phone number, e-mail, or the use of a fax machine. Questions are accepted before, during, and after the programs. Those who cannot attend the live broadcasts can watch the videotapes and complete the training as their schedules permit.

Designing a training series that meets the needs of a diverse audience of scientists, engineers, and managers from government, industry, and universities is extremely challenging. As Reza Azarmsa explains, "Much like any other area of mediated communication, teleconferencing is both a science and an art."²

NETN, an international program of the University of New Mexico's College of Engineering, has an exceptional record for developing and producing effective videoconference training programs for industry, government, national laboratories, and universities. NETN is part of an environmental consortium (WERC) funded by the Department of Energy (DOE). The Waste-management Education and Research Consortium (WERC) is composed of The University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Navajo Community College. Members have teamed together to help solve the environmental problems facing our nation, collaborating in three areas: research, education, and training.

To date, NETN has produced the following nine successful videoconference series: Total Quality Management (two series, one for service organizations and one for manufacturing); Hazardous Waste Management; Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention; Environmental Risk Management; Radioactive Waste Management; Mixed Waste Management; and the two newest produced during 1995. The first, Decommissioning, is a six-part series addressing decommissioning within the U.S. Department of Energy's Environmental Management Program. The second series, Pollution Prevention, examines technologies for applications from government installations to cottage industries.

The live, interactive NETN have been broadcast to over 167 sites with diverse audiences. The training has spanned the United States, reaching 8,000 participants in 48 states at 100 industry sites, 64 military and government installations, and 32 universities.

National awards from the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency attest to NETN's leadership in providing advanced technical training using distance learning techniques. These series have received awards for the past three years, and in 1993, NETN earned an award for "Most Outstanding Distance Education Network" from the USDLA.

The process described below is accomplished over a 9-12-month period. To select a topic for distance learning series, NETN surveys the various receive sites, requesting information about their current training needs. When sufficient interest is expressed in one particular area, and the funding for production secured, the topic becomes the focus of the next distance learning series. The process follows these steps.

In the early stages of developing a series, NETN conducts an "Environmental Experts" workshop, where environmental professionals meet to listen to speakers and participate in panel discussions and question/ answer periods. To simplify information exchange, workshop participants complete surveys for NETN. These surveys ask respondents to describe the issues they consider critical for professionals in these fields to address; list the concepts that need to be communicated to stakeholders; identify recognized national experts in the fields; and provide names of periodicals, national organizations, and associations important for people involved in the particular area of expertise.

The next step involves of advisory board meetings, which lay the foundation for the development of the series. National experts involved in previous programs, scientists from the institutions that comprise WERC, and stakeholders are all invited to attend. To provide an overview of a series' production, speakers with past experience in televised training describe the roles and responsibilities of those involved in the process.

As the topics develop, the technical advisors and the advisory board suggest possible program leadersCexperts in the field with backgrounds in industry, business, and government. NETN contacts these individuals and those who agree to join the advisory board and NETN staff to form the nucleus of the evolving series.

During the next portion of the advisory board meeting, members begin the planning process by developing a proposed series outline. The outline consists of specific program topics, any particular emphasis to be considered for each topic, and possible case studies.

The program leaders then select about five people with expertise in their program topics to serve as presenters. The technical advisors understand the overall program content and make sure all aspects of appropriate topics are covered. They also work with the NETN staff and may provide a final review of the programs' instructional manuals.

The individual program leaders recruit nationally recognized experts in the field for their program. They maintain a balance in the program content and sometimes also serve as presenters. The program presenters need good communication skills to deliver their material and to interact with the participants during question/answer periods. Presenters are encouraged to incorporate graphics, videos, humor, and real-life examples to keep their presentations interesting. Each presenter submits charts, suggested readings, test questions, glossary of terms, and a brief biography to NETN, all of which is incorporated in the manuals.

Because NETN seeks presenters from all over the United States, much of the program design occurs during a series of conference calls. Once a plan is established for the individual programs, the program leaders meet with the NETN staff in Albuquerque to define the content of each program and assure continuity for the series as a whole. This not only reduces redundancy, it also confirms that the participants will receive an adequate amount of technical background information. Then, as the scheduled broadcast dates approach, conference calls among those involved in individual programs continue as needed.

Meanwhile, the presenters' materials are prepared for the instructional manuals and returned as final drafts to the presenters and the technical advisors for review. The manuals for each program contain the following information: program description, presenters' charts, suggested readings, test questions, presenters' biographies, and various NETN feedback forms.

A reproducible master of each program manual is sent to each receive site prior to the program broadcast. The master is duplicated at the site, and copies are distributed to all participants attending the training. One bound copy of the manual is sent to the site to be used as reference and to augment the site's videotapes of the programs.

Simultaneously, the video producer pulls together all the elements necessary for live broadcast. Scripts are written and case studies are chosen. Arrangements for on-location recording at the sites are made; the case studies are videotaped and edited for the broadcasts. All elements for live broadcast are orchestrated, down to the selection of soundtrack music.

Prior to the first program's broadcast, NETN conducts a facilitator training program. Experience has shown that site facilitators contribute to the overall success of this televised training when they function as proactive members of the team. The facilitator training program covers a wide range of instructional material. Facilitators learn technical details, such as how to establish a comfortable environment for the viewers and how to check the operation of the equipment. They learn how to find the appropriate audience and publicize the upcoming training at their site. They receive tips about effective ways to interact with series advisors and are encouraged to seek experts within their organization who can enhance the learning experience.

In addition to the televised training, facilitators receive a training packet to serve as a reference during the course of the series. Given this overview of what to expect from the distance education experience and how to make it meaningful for the participants, the facilitator often serves as the foundation for the partnership that develops between the university and the audience.

Publicizing the training event occurs at two levels. NETN can assist the sites with publicity by developing a customized brochure, news releases, and advertisements. A brief promotional tape is also sent to each receive site. On the broader spectrum, NETN notifies former participants of the upcoming series, writes press releases, and develops detailed brochures for distribution. To help ensure a wide array of participants, the NETN director publicizes the training at trade shows and at national meetings on distance education and environmental issues.

One to two weeks after the facilitator training program, the first program is broadcast on alternating Wednesdays. Facilitators are instructed that every program within a series contains a minimum of six presenters from industry, government, and universities with varied scientific backgrounds and expertise. Included in many programs is a segment on the regulations that pertain to the topic being discussed. To increase effectiveness, live presentations are mixed with video that demonstrates the technology involved in the program topic, as well as relevant case studies that illustrate practical uses of the material. Customized workshops and on-site training are also available.

Regular feedback from the participants following each program enables the production staff to constantly improve on the quality of the series. After the final program, the participants complete both NETN Feedback and Evaluation forms. The facilitator returns these forms to NETN, where a thorough review of the evaluations is completed. This direct input from the receive sites allows the technical advisors, program leaders, presenters, and production staff to improve the quality of the series by capitalizing on what went well, and modifying the programs to make improvements where indicated.

The keys to producing effective videoconference series extend into every facet of production. In the preliminary stages, well-defined topics and carefully selected presenters with excellent credibility are essential. Comprehensive instructional manuals enable the audience to follow along easily and record their notes. Question/answer periods with ample time for discussion encourage interaction that facilitates information exchange and lasting partnerships among the sites.

Timing is also an important consideration. Experience shows that short (3 hrs) programs, regularly offered, are the most effective. NETN broadcasts these live videoconferences at regular intervals, for example, on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Finally, the role of the on-site facilitator cannot be overemphasized. Well-prepared facilitators can play a proactive role in distance education, as they bridge the gap between the television studio and the audience and promote an open exchange of ideas and information.

As the workforce shifts from defense to environmental careers, working professionals need environmental information for current and future jobs. They require immediate, high-level training in specific environmental fields. NETN's goal is to assist the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in complying with the Congressional mandate of a 30-year remediation initiative.

Advanced technical training and technology transfer represent a proven method of disseminating valuable information to engineers, scientists, researchers, hospitals, universities, and laboratories around the world. Video conferences provide unique networking opportunities, allowing participants to exchange ideas with recognized environmental experts. During the interactive sections, participants are encouraged to ask specific questions that pertain to their particular site. Throughout the series, audience members develop the tools to change directions in their careers, with a strong emphasis on environmental clean-up and future use of a site.

Transmissions via satellite offer economic advantages, such as savings on travel and workshop registrations. The price per site allows unlimited attendance during the live broadcasts. To prolong the life of the information contained in these series, the sites have access to videotapes of the programs and a bound copy of each instructional manual for their library.

DOE currently receives NETN's environmental series in all DOE Operations offices across the US and at DOE Headquarters. This is part of the DOE effort to retrain their workforce from defense to environmental careers and to support environmental information exchange. After each series concludes, participants receive certificates of completion and earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through The University of New Mexico.

Recognition and endorsement for this educational effort have been extended to NETN by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the Hazardous Waste Action Coalition (HWAC). Sponsors include DOE, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Waste Management Education and Research Consortium (WERC).

NETN achieves balance and diversity by seeking presenters from industry, government, and universities. Working closely with experts from such varied backgrounds has enabled NETN to develop strong partnerships among the presenters and the receive sites.

The ongoing interactive programs promote mutual awareness and understanding. Unique partnerships can evolve through a distance education experience. For example, Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory subscribed to NETN's first series on Total Quality Management in 1990. Both organizations have participated in every subsequent series, and a mutually beneficial understanding has developed between The University of New Mexico and these national laboratories. Because individuals feel free to ask site-specific questions, participants throughout the nation come to understand each other better, discovering common ground in the search for common solutions.

As mentioned earlier, the technical aspects of a videoconference seriesCprogram content and specific emphasisCare determined through the input from viewers of previous series, advisory board meetings, and an Environmental Experts workshop.

• The Total Quality Management (TQM) series were NETN's first two distance education initiatives pertained to Total Quality Management (TQM). A 14-part series offered an engineering/management approach to TQM, and a 6-part series focused on TQM as it applies to service organizations.
• Hazardous Waste Management, the next series, consisted of the following programs: (1) Introduction: What Is Waste?; (2) Risks Associated with Hazardous and Radioactive Wastes; (3) Transport Processes Related to Wastes; (4) Waste Form Modification; (5) Site Characterization; (6) Sampling and Analysis; (7) Soil and Groundwater Remediation I Physical/Chemical Processes; (8) Soil and Groundwater Remediation II: Biological Processes; (9) Radiation and Radioactive Materials; (10) Radioactive and Mixed Wastes Management; and (11) Waste Minimization and Series Close.
• Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention, adhering to the logical progression of the content, NETN followed the previous series with an 8-part videoconference: (1) OverviewCWhy Minimize Waste?; (2) Where Do We Start Waste Minimization?; (3) How Does Recycling/Reuse/ Reclamation Make Economic Sense?; (4) Are the Right Product/Process Designs Being Addressed?; (5) Solvents and Organic Chemicals; (6) How to Implement Minimization in Metals, Plating, and Electrical Interconnects; (7) How to Minimize "End of Life" Problems; and (8) Planning and Preparing for the Future.
• Environmental Risk Management sought to bridge the gap between technical issues and social concerns. Program titles included (1) Risk: Terminology, Concepts, Methods, Applications and Why Risk Communication Is Difficult; (2) How Do We Decide What Is Risky?; (3) Identifying the Gap: Divergent Technical and Social Methods for Risk Characterization; (4) Quantification of Models for Risk Assessment; (5) Risk Characterization: Synthesis and Communication; (6) Risk Assessment: Communicating Results and Public Perception; and (7) Risk-Based Decision Making: A Final Act?
• Radioactive Waste Management was produced concurrently with the Environmental Risk Management series. These programs were (1) An Introduction to Radioactive Waste Management; (2) Interactions Between Radiation and Matter; (3) Decommissioning and Decontamination; (4) Transportation Issues in Radioactive Waste Management and UMTRA; (5) Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management; (6) High-Level Radioactive Waste; (7) Transuranic Radioactive Waste Management; and (8) New and Other Technologies for Radioactive Waste Management.
• Mixed Waste Management was broadcast in 1994. Generated by government facilities, research laboratories, hospitals and universities, mixed waste is a major concern in remediation projects, including the cleanup activities on the U.S. DOE weapons complex and old radioactive waste disposal sites. The series consisted of (1) Generation and Characterization of Mixed Waste; (2) Storage of Mixed Waste; (3) Minimization and Treatment of Mixed Waste; (4) Technical Development of Mixed Waste Issues; and (5) Remediation Activities.
• Decommissioning, a 6-part series features an introduction to the series with a goal and vision statement from U.S. DOE. The inventory and history of the major decommissioning sites with overviews and the various phases of the decommissioning process are included. Each program consists of technical presentations by experts focusing on decommissioning terminology, problems involving contamination and radiation along with successful approaches, and existing and evolving decommissioning techniques. This series stresses the importance of good planning, pre-job briefings, and dress rehearsals with mock-ups to uncover problems and save time. Participants learn the techniques for dismantling and segmenting equipment and structural members and demolishing structures.
• Pollution Prevention - Pollution prevention is far more powerful, more painless, less costly than continually degrading the environment by just "managing waste." Only through massive educational and awareness programs can the attitudes and values of the people be made sensitive to the need for pollution prevention. It is everyone's responsibility and moral obligation to protect the environment for future generations.
• The end-of the pipe approach to waste management is a losing strategy. Striving to be in environmental compliance is not the answer; and managing waste is not only expensive, but poisonous to the environment and to the health of the public. Pollution prevention-the front-end approach-makes business sense and is less destructive to the environment.

There is a growing need for information about environmental issues throughout the world. Delayed broadcasts and taped programs have been received by ISTEC (a Latin American Network) and tapes used as far away as Estonia.

Communication and participation are critical elements in our national efforts to identify and explore environmental challenges. NETN develops distance education programs that explore technologies for the ultimate protection and preservation of the environment, while sustaining economic growth. We are proud of our role in building partnerships between the public and private sectors in working toward a sustainable global future for the environment.

1. D. Barron, "Distance Education: Removing Barriers to Knowledge," School Library Journal, November, 1989.
2. R. Azarmsa, "Teleconferencing: How to be a Successful Host," Tech Trends, September, 1989.