Abstract: An interactive template to be used as an information guide and training aid for surgical techniques facilitates learning of a surgical technique by providing an animated segment using diagrams, drawings, and/or graphics which allow a user to clearly and easily visualize each step in the procedure. The interactive template may be a compact disc (“CD”) or a collection of “pages” accessible through a network such as an intranet or the Internet. Upon accessing the template, the user is presented with a selection tool by which to select a category of information desired to be viewed, such as a list of surgical procedures or instrumentation, a video or animated demonstration of a selected procedure or on the use of a selected instrument, literature on a selected procedure, a glossary, information about the sponsoring company, etc.