What would it take for instructional design to qualify as a bona fide applied discipline? First and foremost, a fundamental requirement is a testable and tested theoretical base. Untested rationales until verified remain in limbo. Secondly, the discipline's applied prescriptions must be demonstrably traceable to the theoretical base once it is…

Collaborative learning provides students with vital opportunities to create and build knowledge. Existing technologies can facilitate collaborative learning. However, barriers exist to enacting collaborative practices related to the coverage of material for assessments and classroom management concerns, among others. Teachers can overcome these…

The practice of distance education in the United States is traced back to its early roots. In the 20th century, distance education remained at the periphery in corporate training, K-12 schools, and most universities, but it gradually developed its practice by using broadcast media, and later the Internet. Since the turn of the current century,…

Considers the goal of creating communities of learners and how to integrate technology with learning. Highlights include cognitive apprenticeships; qualities of meaningful learning, including constructivism and collaboration; assumptions about technology, including knowledge construction; proper roles for technology; and how to support meaningful…

Discusses faculty adoption of technology based on experiences in a faculty training project that was developed to help them integrate technology into their teaching. Considers the appropriateness of the technology; faculty involvement; faculty attitudes; support for faculty; lack of confidence; changes in instructional style; and faculty needs…

Presents a model and an underlying process for selecting technology mediated teaching strategies. Discusses the use of the Internet in the learning process; computer-mediated communication; educational appropriateness of technology adoption; technology integration; learning principles for the model; and how to implement the model. (Author/LRW)

Discusses Web-based training for corporations and offers guidelines to help determine whether an organization is ready for this use of technology. Considers the organizational culture, size, characteristics of learners, content complexity, technical infrastructure, just-in-time or anytime training needs, and support available. (LRW)

Examines the need for publishers to create successful new media products for the higher education market. Topics discussed include business conditions in higher education publishing; influences of technology, including digital format; electronic textbooks; a customer-oriented approach; the appropriate use of technology; and future possibilities.…

Discussion of electronic mail and computer-mediated communication focuses on local bulletin board systems (BBSs) that run on microcomputers. Uses in education and businesses are described, computer requirements and costs are outlined, bulletin board software is discussed, and echo networking is explained. (Four references) (LRW)

Examines the role of educational technology from a constructivist perspective. Discusses the subset of computer-based technologies, especially the Internet, that are changing the way interactivity is defined, and examines how these technologies interface with constructivist approaches to pedagogy. Explores the place of constructivism as a…

Presents six trends and challenges facing educational technology: (1) increasing differentiation between education and training; (2) private sector (industrial) developments; (3) increasing politicization in education; (4) rapid growth in continuing professional education; (5) informal education replacing formal education; and (6) hardware…

Considers the role of educational technology in two views of the school reform movement: one that demands more from the existing educational system, and one that calls for restructuring of the existing system. The effectiveness of technology is addressed, models for technology use are described, and technology and constructivism are discussed. (31…

Discusses the design of computer-based learning materials and computer-based learning environments. Topics addressed include learning strategies; the roles of the learner and the computer; appropriate information technology; the situated learning concept; learning environment metaphors; the use of microcomputers and hypermedia; and personal…

Discussion of technological innovations in education focuses on the potentials of the microcomputer as a classroom instructional method. Programing, computer literacy, software applications, and problem solving are suggested as ways to incorporate computers into the curriculum, and examples of applications of computers in elementary and secondary…

Suggests reasons why online learning may not be appropriate for all situations. Discusses barriers for students, including self-discipline, initiative, and convenient access to computers and the Internet; barriers for teachers and administrators; suitability for course content; organizational and institutional barriers; cultural differences; and…