Basic to the viewpoint developed in this article is the belief that educators are committed to advancing their insights into creative and effective planning processes. Educators, committed to the process of problem-solving, can then advance knowledge and redesign educational environments. (Author/HB)

Describes learning environments, including cognitive flexibility hypertexts, anchored instruction, and computer-supported intentional learning environments. A brief history of educational technology is presented; and problems with open learning environments are discussed, including inappropriate learning theory, deficient metacognitive skills, and…

How to blame the computer for all failings, human and otherwise. (LS)

Examines current academic culture and how it affects growth in nontraditional and distant student populations. Characteristics examined include goal ambiguity, limited flexibility in adapting academic programs to students' needs, low faculty interdependence, and high vulnerability because of decreased funding and societal demands. Examples of…

Describes weaknesses of traditional instruction and ways that instructional technology can help to correct these problems. Both hardware, such as computers and video, and soft technologies, such as methodologies and models, are considered. Possible negative side-effects of technology-based instruction are discussed and 27 references are listed.…

Describes four aspects of computer technology in education in the United States: (1) the number of computers available to students and teachers; (2) where the computers are located and how they are used; (3) the impact of computer use; and (4) hypotheses concerning nonuse, limited use, and inappropriate use. (Contains 13 references.) (LRW)

Since the designer of interactive materials must ensure that the learner is directed to the information that he will be expected to acquire, he must recognize the components of the delivery system employed and the process by which they interact to deliver the information. (Author/RAO)

Discusses online course design in higher education and cautions against blindly accepting constructivist and collaborative learning strategies. Explains many of the problems associated with these strategies, including the use of technology; considers social change; and describes groupthink and its influence in online courses. (LRW)

Discusses some of the problems of implementing computer-aided learning (CAL) in a university environment and describes a centralized CAL service agency that was created at the University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Courseware development and implementation are described, and CAL research and evaluation are discussed. (16 references) (LRW)

To determine how the Internet is being used in education, researchers surveyed newsgroup participants. Questions concerned demographics and usage. Responses totaled 147. Results indicate that there is a solid foundation of users who are optimistic about the future despite hardware and software problems and concerns about offensive material. Seven…

Defines local area networks (LANs); describes basic components and configurations of LANs; and discusses LANs benefits (reduced costs, better management of computer resources, enhanced communications) and pitfalls (hidden costs, time delays, network maintenance, lack of standardization, network security breaches, lack of network compatible…

Discussion of computer-based simulations focuses on the development of a coaching agent as an alternative to traditional feedback for a multimedia simulation that will help change training from traditional instructor-led courses to learn-by-doing simulations for point-of-need training. The limitations of traditional feedback are examined. (LRW)

Describes a performance support system that was developed at Indiana University to assist in the delivery of a distance education inservice teacher training program through course presentations, monitoring practicum activities, and promoting collaboration among teachers. Difficulties are discussed, future enhancements are described, and an…

Surveys existing efforts at using the World Wide Web for instructional purposes, points out innovative uses of the Web, and suggests ways for instructors and developers to optimize the design of instructional sites to better serve users. Mistakes to avoid are discussed, and addresses of 13 instructional sites are provided. (Author/LRW)

Describes the use of distance-learning technology for an economics course for second graders. Highlights include obstacles to effective distance education, becoming familiar with video technology, the use of visual learning materials, student-teacher interaction, the need for an adult facilitator, and the instructional sequence used in each…