This third in a series of edited transcripts based on a conference at Utah State University describes Merrill's Component Design Theory (CDT) and compares it to his earlier Component Display Theory. Topics discussed include concept structures, knowledge acquisition, components of an instructional design system, and a new CDT matrix. (10…

Addresses problems in evaluation that are raised by constructivism. Highlights include a comparison of objectivism and constructivism; constructivistic criteria, including goal-free evaluation, which focus on authentic tasks, knowledge construction, context-driven evaluation, the appropriate stages of knowledge acquisition, and multiple…

Provides a summary of research on the effectiveness of animation in computer-assisted learning, suggests guidelines and strategies for implementing animation for specific materials in both educational and training environments to assist instructional designers and developers, and includes examples for the strategies. (Contains 17 references.) (LRW)

Describes a project that developed a multimedia prototype case study analysis tool for international executive education adapted and expanded from a print-based management case study. Highlights include content analysis; hardware and software decisions; design decisions; screen design; learner control; structure; consistency; navigation; and…

Describes some well-known theories and concepts of student motivation and how they relate to library and information skills instruction. Illustrations of the integration and application of motivation models to library and information skills instruction are given, and some relevant areas for future research on motivation in this context are…

Discusses the authors' successes and failures in their efforts to help faculty mount Web-based courses. Notes they found it helpful to divide course material into knowledge-based versus skill-based elements, and to develop activities that capitalize on the unique environment of the Web. Covers legal issues affecting how they use both preexisting…

Provides technical training managers with an overview of the range of Web-based training solutions available to their organizations. Defines four broad categories of web-based training programs and characterizes each. Analyzes the most popular type (Web/computer based), and presents four levels of such programs. (RS)

Discusses the time and expense required to create interactive multimedia courses, and describes the Synergy project that combines a performance support system with authoring systems to accelerate the design and development process. Examples of screen displays are included. (Author/LRW)

Presents suggestions to assist distance educators in making instructional development choices to maximize the effectiveness of available bandwidth. Discusses identification of available bandwidth and describes four variables that can be manipulated to reduce the consumption of bandwidth (time/place, fidelity, degree of realism, level of…

Reviews Moore's book on the strategies for well-planned teaching. Discusses the contents of each of the book's 10 chapters, noting that, although the book's focus is on the basics of teaching, the book does not adequately cover recent findings. (JPB)

Quality indicators for student-support service (SSS) in distance education in India were designed which also exhibit the dual function of standard or norm for measuring quality. The study underpins the role of quality indicators in providing new direction to policymakers and other stakeholders in assessing the performance of distance-learning…

This interview with Jane Healy, an educational psychologist and author, discusses how computers can sometimes negatively affect children's minds. Topics include instructional design in software; the need for objective research; what children will need for success in the future, including critical thinking skills; technology implementation; and…

Provides a framework for developing a workshop or instructional unit using written scenarios to stimulate the discussion of ethical issues related to teaching and learning in higher education. Presents the qualities of a good scenario, along with a description of a sample instruction session that includes introductory material to provide context…

Describes the career of Robert Diamond that has focused on the systematic improvement of instruction in higher education. Highlights include his model of instructional design; educational background; publications; and professional leadership, particularly in the American Association for Higher Education (AAHE). (LRW)

The problem of poor learners is due less to missing experiences than to the nature of their learning experiences. Giving these students more hands-on "exposure" is not enough. Instead, teachers can develop critical-thinking skills in students by changing the nature of teacher-student interaction. Focusing on a "main idea" and…