Rich environments for active learning in action

In today's complex world of rapid change, of increasing innovation and of proliferating knowledge, employers and employees must be able to apply tools and knowledge to new situations with increasing frequency to remain productive and competitive (see Nash, 1994). Because we face an environment in which knowledge and skills become rapidly obsolete, people need to know how to be involved in a continual process of &'retooling&'; their knowledge and skill base (see Swanson et al, 1993).