In this regular feature of "Educational Technology," Michael F. Shaughnessy and Juchao Yan present their interview with Robert Talbert, Associate Professor, Mathematics Department, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan. Their interview centered around thirteen questions that professor Talbert provided enlightening responds…

If one wants to teach youth to think, one has to restrain himself from doing all their thinking for them. One has to refrain from specifying in advance what they are going to think. Yet, this is just what educational technologists are consistently guilty of doing. Educational technology is committed to excluding the possibility of anything new or…

Discusses potentials of situated learning in response to criticism of a previous article. Topics addressed include educational technology; education and political issues, including educational goals and literacy; learning theories; visuality and other modes of knowledge acquisition; cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains of learning; and…

The institution of results-oriented technology in delivering predictable learner success is explored. Models for the Systematic Approach for Effectiveness (SAFE), educational planning, and closed/open looped instruction and learning are offered. (RAO)

Begins by discussing what interactive multimedia (IMM) is, why it is used, and how it should be evaluated. A pragmatic approach to evaluation is advocated, and a framework for formative evaluation is proposed, which focuses on formative experimentation. The educational goals of IMM technology and methods of formative experimentation are detailed.…

Presents a comparative analysis of Kaufman's and Nadler's work design models by examining each model's rational content and comparing the distinctive images of procedure that those contents project. Kaufman's insistent claim that his organizational elements model merits distinctive recognition as the definitive explication of the system approach…

Compares methods of scoring multiple-choice tests and discusses right-number scoring, guessing, and omitted items. Test instructions and answer changing are addressed, and attempts to weight test items are reviewed. It is concluded that, since innovations in test scoring are not well-established, the number right method is most appropriate. (RAO)

Proposes a cognitive-based model for instructional design that addresses the acquisition and employment of knowledge, the interaction of content knowledge and cognitive strategies for higher order thinking skills, and the affective domain. Educational learning theory is discussed, including working memory, long-term memory, and cognitive skills.…

The first in a series of three, this article argues that the transfer of educational models and innovations from developed nations is not sufficient for developing countries. Recommended instead are bold approaches to education which can demonstrate direct application and benefits for meeting local and national goals. (MER)

Integrates the theoretical foundations of distance education programs with the selection of appropriate media. The principles of learning that take place in traditional instruction are discussed; instructional objectives and methods are described; matching objectives, methods, and media is considered; and types of communication are discussed. (10…

Defines self-formative evaluation as the formative evaluation of instructional materials conducted during the development of the product by its users or developers. Topics discussed include the results of a study that examined users' attitudes toward such evaluation, their ability to execute it, and the effects of training on that ability. (CLB)

Explains the use of pigeons in behavioral psychology research for modeling human behavior and discusses instructional objectives for humans. Topics addressed include the relationship between response rate and reinforcer rate; resistance to alternative reinforcement; choice and matching; and persistence and reinforcement. (Contains 11 references.)…

Describes a five-step set of procedures for designing and developing instruction that promotes student-teacher interaction and teacher responsiveness. The steps described address instructional content, objectives, questions, boundaries, and entry behavior. (MBR)

Questions the effects of training on the confidence people have in their ability to perform newly-learned tasks. Factors that affect confidence and measurement of confidence are discussed, and examples are given of ways in which training might intentionally try to increase confidence. (MBR)

Outlines a technique for setting priorities among competing needs, and examines the strengths and weaknesses of several popular needs assessment models. Relevance of goal attainability and force field analysis to curriculum decision-making is also discussed. (RAO)