Compares and contrasts the current development of needs analysis and needs assessment through a review of the literature, and offers recommendations designed to restore systems thinking to front-end analysis in organizational and instructional development. The roles of needs assessment and needs analysis in a performance technology model are…

Discussion of claims of constructivism and educational technology that were raised in an earlier issue is presented in the form of a philosophical dialogue. Topics discussed include instructional development; knowledge acquisition; constructivist theories and educational psychology; objectivists versus constructivists; subjectivism; and…

Discusses the need to reengineer performance development in light of new technologies, concepts, and tools. Topics addressed include current performance development strategies; new models; learning strategies versus training strategies; electronic performance support and software; and the role of the instructional developer. (LRW)

Describes a fourth-generation ISD (instructional systems development) model, an integrative problem solving system that dynamically adjusts the authoring activities of instructional development by direct reference to a specific learning problem or need. Includes case studies that illustrate the three model components: situational evaluation,…

Over the years, many authors have tried to describe, conceptualize, and visualize the instructional design or development processes via a variety of process models. Most descriptions imply a rather homogeneous view of design, depicting it as an overall problem-solving process following general phases such as analysis, design and development,…

Based on a survey of 83 instructional developers, this chapter considers whether the instructional developer/client relationship is a consulting relationship and, if so, whether consultants employ a specific consulting model. Four models of consultation are considered--the Product Model, the Prescription Model, the Collaborative/Process Model, and…

This text, now in its fourth edition, provides an understanding of the diversity and use of models used to portray the instructional development (ID) process, while reflecting the many changes in the field that have occurred since publication of the last edition in 1997. Beginning with the belief that an ID model should be selected based on the…

This research assumes that systematic and systemic change are two components in instructional design (ID)--not dichotomous terms, but two sides of an interconnected dual structured system. Specifically, this paper examines the difference between systemic thinking and systematic thinking, the ideal mental model (dual structured systems) for ID, and…

Describes the process by which Learner Verification and Revision (LVR) transforms information gathered during learner verification into revision prescriptions for the development of instructional materials. Robinson's and Gropper's procedural models for formative evaluation are also discussed and a study comparing the effectiveness of materials…

Discusses the philosophy underlying the development of "Living with Technology," a new foundation course developed at the Open University. Additionally, a new model of course development is discussed which is designed to evaluate and revise the course in the light of student and tutor feedback. Eight references are listed. (Author/LLS)

Examines the importance of human systems as a relevant aspect of development processes and looks at the career anchor model proposed by Schein as a possible area in the analysis of the instructional developer/client relationships. Fourteen references are listed. (Author/LLS)

Examines the use of contracting in an instructional development setting at the university level. A sample contract is included and 12 references are listed. (LLS)

Discusses the necessity for conceptual frameworks as organizers of the content of bibliographic instruction, argues that such frameworks provide a necessary basis for generalizable and meaningful learning, and reviews seven conceptual frameworks for use in bibliographic instruction. Twenty-one references are listed. (RAA)

Five aspects of applying the ATI concept are presented: (1) implementation methodology (steps in the process), (2) procedures for selecting appropriate independent and dependent variables, (3) data analysis procedures, (4) alternative module design and development guidelines, and (5) module assignment guidelines. (Author/JEG)

Reviews the basic assumptions of two paradigms of inquiry, the rationalist and the naturalist, to determine which one provides the best fit for one-to-one formative evaluation of instructional materials focusing on learnability issues. Conclusions suggest the naturalistic assumptions are more suitable. (13 references) (LRW)