Transfer of computer software technology through workshops: The case of fish bioenergetics modeling

I recommend a three-part program to promote the availability and use of computer software packages to fishery managers and researchers. The three-part approach consists of journal articles that announce new technologies, technical reports that serve as user's guides, and hands-on workshops that provide direct instruction to new users. Workshops, which allow experienced users to directly instruct novices in software operation and application, are an important, but often neglected, final step in this process. My experience with organizing and conducting bioenergetics modeling workshops suggests the optimal workshop would take 2 days, have 10–15 participants, one computer for every two users, and one instructor for every 5–6 people.