Knowledge Engineering. This new program will be based on principles related to new approaches to expert systems development and knowledge engineering. A traditional fact sheet, for example, has many ideas assembled in a logical manner in a concentrated space focusing on a specific topic. The reader has to follow the train of thought and then incorporate some of the ideas into a personal framework. The ideas are sort of "hardwired" together in a deductive process to give emphasis to the main topic. The emphasis is on content.

An expert systems approach is quite different. The educator begins with a knowledge base. This base is then broken down into its smallest constituent elements or foundation concepts. These elements can then be combined by learners in an inductive manner to address issues of concern to them. Ideas become like Leggo blocks that can be creatively combined into any type of structure. The emphasis is on decision making and problem solving.

Emphasis on linkage between Base and Plus programs. Basics of Parenting will focus on an overview or umbrella set of ideas that form a core or base of parent wisdom. Additional Plus programs can be created that spring from the Base. For example, The Basics of Parenting provides the Base overview. Growing Up with Self-esteem is a Plus program that provides more detail on a specific issue. So the Base program provides a core set of ideas. The Plus program draws on some of those ideas and then provides additional elements specifically focused on the topic. Base programs could be developed and linked together on complimentary subject matters (e.g., parenting, human nutrition, home management, family economics).

The National Extension Parent Education Model provides the theoretical background for the program. Basic parenting ideas will be organized into the six areas emphasized in NEPEM: Care for self, Understand, Guide, Nurture, Motivate, and Advocate. Each of these areas could potentially become Plus programs as well.

Both on-line and paper-based versions of the program will be developed. The on-line version will be converted to Electronic Cards. The paper version will be translated into fact sheets organized into a three-ring binder for easy reproduction.

Electronic Cards/Factsheets. Approximately 75 factsheets will be developed. Each item will include only the key idea (either a principle or a skill) and two examples. The emphasis is on clarity and simplicity to make a point.

Self-assessment. A strategy will also be developed that will allow users to monitor their own progress in a simple and straightforward way. Self-assessments will probably be developed for each of the five areas.

Self-reflection and partner activities. Additional resources to enable users to apply the ideas to their own experience and to form a partnership with other learners will be developed.

Activities Things to do with children to apply the principles and practice the skills will also be provided.

Leader's Guide. A leader's guide will show provide suggested ways of using the above resources. A series of 5 90-minute workshops will be outlined. The Guide will also include a "design your own resource" worksheet showing leaders how to pull the concepts together to address issues of concern to parents.

All this is subject to change as resources are developed and feedback from potential users is obtained.

This section includes links to various resources that are under development. Keep in mind these are not completed yet so there are likely to be broken links from time to time. New resources or revisions will be included as they become available. I hope to complete the Basic Parenting program by the Spring of 1999. The on-line version will appear first under Courses at the WonderWise Parent. Feel free to explore any of these resources. Your comments would be appreciated (send to casmith@ksu.edu).