Student-centered instruction incorporating authentic assessments can provide an alternative instructional model. Student-centered instruction generally requires learners to take on alternate roles such as that of historian, advocate or op-ed writer in order to complete a project. It is often both collaborative and constructivist in nature. In…

Moodle and Blackboard are two of the most famous and widely-known Learning Management Systems (LMS) over the world especially in the universities and other educational organizations. They have lots in common, but also have some key differences which make each one special in its own way. We note these differences below. If you have used any one of…

In this article, the authors explore the origins of computer-based instruction (CBI) and its influences on the Instructional Design and Technology profession. Specifically, the authors first identify four particularly popular CBI methodologies: (1) tutorials; (2) simulations; (3) games; and (4) hypermedia/web-based applications. Then, they examine…

Educators are becoming increasingly interested in alternatives to learning management systems (LMS) Blackboard and WebCT. Stephen Downes's column Places to Go turns to one internationally popular open source LMS--Moodle. Downes takes the reader through Moodle's Web site, which is simultaneously a Web site about its LMS and an example of what its…

This report focuses on and suggests ways of using instructional technology to provide better education/training delivery systems, especially the use of interactive videodiscs. The first chapter discusses the need for technology-based training; describes the computer interface components, functions, and characteristics of interactive videodisc…

Discusses characteristics of software that teachers should consider when selecting software, and reviews programs of good quality for use in elementary and/or secondary classes. Instructional design considerations and the amount of time required for a program are discussed, and games, tutorials, simulations, and drill and practice software are…

An overview of the NovaNET Computer System, a time-sharing networking computer system for the delivery of computer-based education, is followed by a description of the SYS IV system, which is used for management and record keeping in mathematics, reading, language arts, and spelling curricula. A description of lesson design features follows, along…

This article contains a description of a network-based Learning Environment Organizer entitled LEO, which takes its impetus from the Assimilation Theory of meaningful learning. LEO represents a new approach to computer-mediated augmentation of face-to-face, or hybrid courses, and a different approach to distance learning course delivery. LEO…