Conversational technologies such as email, chat rooms, and blogs have made the transition from novel communication technologies to powerful tools for learning. Currently virtual worlds are undergoing the same transition. We argue that the next wave of innovation is at the level of the computer interface, and that mixed-reality environments offer…

This article outlines a learning intervention which the authors call Learning by Design. The goal of this intervention is classroom and curriculum transformation, and the professional learning of teachers. The experiment involves the practical application of the learning theory to everyday classroom practice. Its ideas are grounded in pedagogical…

Computer time-sharing offers many interesting possibilities for use in teaching computer technology. To test the hypothesis that with proper hardware and software, students using time-sharing as a teaching machine could acquire proficiency in the fundamentals of programing more easily than by using standard batch-processing techniques, the…

An experiment was conducted to determine which of three modes of instruction controlling the "density" of simulation training was most effective in terms of transfer and most efficient in terms of the learning rate of preservice teachers. Four goals of the classroom simulation were identified and practiced in three training modes: (1)…

A number of instructional variables and their relationship to educational goals is discussed. This relationship is not always readily apparent, particularly when complex learning and many educational goals are involved. Experimentation is often needed to determine the most efficient set of instructional variables to achieve the desired educational…

The effects of presenting objectives to students in a graduate computer-managed course were investigated. The hypotheses, based on previous laboratory studies, that objectives would decrease test-item-latency, increase study time, and facilitate performance on unit tests was tested. (Editor/RK)

McCarthy (1985) constructed the 4MAT teaching model, an eight step instrument developed in 1980, by synthesizing Dewey's experiential learning, Kolb's four learning styles, Jung's personality types, as well as Bogen's left mode and right mode of brain processing preferences. An important implication of this model is that learning retention is…

Seven mastery instruction courses offered in different quarters at the University of Washington are examined. The study method involved obtaining student ratings of these courses for comparison among themselves and with student ratings of traditional lecture method courses in the same subject field. For this purpose a Mastery Instruction Student…

An experiment was designed to compare two alternative procedures for revising a preliminary version of an instructional program, one based on a subjective analysis of the program's behavioral goals, the other on an objective analysis of test data obtained from a trial of the unrevised program. Conforming to an experimental model, 20…

To determine the effect of intermittent information feedback schedules on content error rate, recall and retention of videotaped programed materials viewed under group-paced conditions, 60 students were randomly assigned to four groups. Each group viewed a sequence of 240 frames, with the ratio of question frames to answer frames fixed or…

The concept of experiential education, defined as learning outside the normal classroom environment that has been planned for prior to the experience, is reviewed. This includes internships, field experience, practicums, and cooperative education. Topics covered deal with the liberal arts, professional training, institutional reform and the…

To investigate the effectiveness of three variables in machine mediated small-group instruction, a three-year study is being conducted with 90 undergraduate and graduate students divided into groups of 15. Forms of media presentation, levels of learning and forms of feedback are varied among the groups, and their interactive as well as independent…

The education industry has obviously been influenced by the Internet revolution. Teaching and learning methods have changed significantly since the coming of the Web and it is very likely they will keep evolving many years to come thanks to it. A good example of this changing reality is the spectacular development of e-Learning. In a more…

In Dubai, traffic accidents kill one person every 37 hours and injure one person every 3 hours. Novice traffic accident investigators in the Dubai police force are expected to "learn by doing" in this intense environment. Currently, they use no alternative to the real world in order to practice. This paper argues for the use of an…