Gives an overview of the development of educational technology in Japan evident in the increase of publications, the diffusion of technological innovations, and the organization of research pertaining to the field. (Author/MER)

Considers the role of states in implementing educational reform efforts. The Instructional Systems Development (ISD) approach to designing learner-centered instruction is explained; and Project IMPACT (Instructional Management by Parents, Community, and Teachers), an early application of this approach, is described. Educational improvement efforts…

Discusses changes in the field of educational technology from a mechanistic to a more humanistic view, and highlights the importance of interpersonal skills through three studies conducted in the British Open University: one dealing with instructional development, one with the evaluation of teaching and teaching systems, and one with the fostering…

Discussion of instructional design and instructional development focuses on four studies conducted in Newfoundland that examined instructional development knowledge, competency, and use among teacher-librarians, secondary school teachers, and elementary school teachers. Results are reported that indicate teacher planning is done using personal…

Discussion of course development teams for independent study materials focuses on a model developed at Grant MacEwan Community College (Alberta, Canada) for course team composition and operation. Highlights include advantages and disadvantages of course development teams; responsibilities of team members; objectives of team meetings; and work flow…

Discusses use of computer graphics to enhance instruction presented via audio-teleconferencing in University of Calgary distance education courses. System design is reviewed; instructional roles of the graphics utilized are discussed; and development of two inservice teacher education courses used to assess the system's effectiveness is described.…