Systems theory spans many disciplines and several decades. The field of biology has informed systems theory, according to von Bertalanffy (1972) and Boulding (1956), as an organizing principle of living beings. Extensions of this theoretical framework have led to the application of systems theory as systems thinking in a diverse array of…

This paper discusses the instructional design experiences and processes shared by a multi-disciplinary group--including more than a dozen faculty, staff, and students--while developing a series of online courses on Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE) for professional engineers, a project sponsored by the National Science Foundation. The team…

This paper deals with a possible way of separating six modes of needs assessment (Kaufman, 1972) into two types. The most common, internal, looks at needs from within the organization, and external needs assessment looks at needs from the outside of the organization doing the study. (VT)

Presents an activities assessment model based on Schumacher's concept of appropriate technology for assessing results of nonformal staff training activities. This model includes identifying training purposes, matching needs to capability levels, choosing source persons to judge student achievement, defining evidence and indicators, generating…

Discussion of the appropriate use of instruction and training for performance problems in developing countries highlights a case study of an unsuccessful instructional project in South America. The importance of front-end analysis and a needs assessment are emphasized, and the sociotechnical systems theory (STS) of organizational development is…

Developing instruction is a critical part of the education process. For instruction to be effective it should be organized and well planned. Development of an effective program should include careful consideration of the need for instruction, the audience, and the course content. Instruction delivered via telecommunications can be even more…

CAI201, a training program that takes students through the training program design process, is conducted via computer assisted instruction (CAI), and is directed toward the individual who has been charged with designing a training program but who lacks an understanding of how to proceed. This manual provides the program designer with background…

Designing an EAP course requires collaboration among various concerned stakeholders, including students, subject teachers, institutional administrators and EAP teachers themselves. While needs analysis is often considered fundamental to EAP, alternative research methodologies may be required to facilitate meaningful collaboration between these…

Presents a systems model for developing instruction in the affective domain and offers a checklist for instructional design. Topics discussed include conducting a needs assessment; behavioral objectives; sequencing affective objectives; the relationship between affective and cognitive behaviors; selecting instructional procedures; and designing…

This paper presents a decision making model that uses a systematic approach to design; has as a driving force the needs and goals of a particular learning situation; is derived from traditional instructional system design models such as Kemp, Dick & Carey, and Romiszowski; and in addition addresses the potential impact of multimedia as a…

Discusses Computer Sciences Corporation's (CSC) philosophy, objectives, and management principles which provide framework for its training and development programs; describes CSC's corporate and division-level training and development programs; presents a case study of one division-level course's development, implementation, and evaluation; and…

This paper describes a new instructional development model, the INTERACT model, for use in instructional design of interactive instruction, especially interactive computer-delivered instruction such as intelligent tutors and videodisc-based computer-based instruction (CBI). The model is derived largely from current practice in instructional…

Presents theoretical perspectives of change of Benne, Chin, Lewin, and Rogers, and draws out strategies that designers of games, simulations, and workshops may find useful. Highlights include rational/empirical, normative/re-educative, and power/coercive strategies; Lewin's force-field model; and Rogers' stage model. (MBR)

A systems approach to effective instructional design that is equally applicable to educational and organizational settings includes six components: (1) needs assessment, (2) systems design, (3) curriculum development, (4) organizational development, (5) feedback and evaluation, and (6) outcomes. The last component, outcomes, provides a context and…

This book, which is designed for use by adult educators, details a comprehensive, systematic approach to designing instruction for adult learners that is based on a process of identifying learning goals and objectives, developing learning activities to meet those goals and objectives, and designing evaluation procedures to ensure that the goals…