The relationship between curriculum design and improvement in student ability to reason critically was studied, using data gathered in an evaluation of a citizen leadership institute for high school students. While the literature on teaching thinking emphasizes direct instruction both to introduce reasoning skill to students and to promote its…

This symposium was a working meeting to develop an agenda for future action in education regarding videodisc technology. Following an introduction, three major presentations are provided: "An Introduction to Videodisc Technology" (Ronald W. Nugent); "Videodisc Applications and Implications for Education" (Orbry Holden); and "Planning Videodiscs in…

Seven components of an authoring system for interactive computer-assisted instruction are described: (1) hardware, including a microcomputer, monitors, and a videodisc player; (2) videodiscs purchased for "repurposing," i.e., using frames of clips from the videodisc to illustrate the instructional program; (3) program options for the instructor;…

The 54 papers in this volume represent some of the most current thinking in educational communications and technology. Individual papers address the following topics: feedback in computer-assisted instruction (CAI); cognitive style and cognitive strategies in CAI; persuasive film-making; learning strategies; computer technology and children's word…

This paper examines prior research on learner control in an effort to apply the findings to the design of interactive video systems. Early research on learner control is detailed, including descriptions of research supporting learner control or having mixed reactions to learner control. Alternatives to learner control are also discussed, including…

This paper proposes a basic instructional design model that focuses on the planning of a learning environment so that students not only acquire factual knowledge, but also improve their cognitive abilities to use and extend their knowledge. The model describes the direct relationships between learning time, cognitive objectives, memory system…

This paper describes the MAIS and presents the BASIC programming code for the heuristic employed in this expert tutor management system, which is based on the findings of investigations of the direct connections among such learning environment factors as individual differences, cognitive learning theory, instructional technology, subject matter…

What whole language is and is not, what whole language instruction is and is not, and whether "subskills" can be integrated into a whole language approach are topics worthy of consideration. Whole language is natural language within a given context and in relation to a given situation. Isolated bits of language used for exercise rather…

Defining curriculum design as a critically examined theoretical framework for developing curriculum, this document examines various decision-making processes of planning curriculum. Discussed are the importance of curriculum design, and attempts to examine four systems of curriculum thought, along with curriculum design currently available for…

This discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of using television in an open university's distance learning program begins by examining the parameters of the use of television in distance learning, i.e., distribution, utilization, and production. It is suggested that television provides two unique presentational characteristics when used in…

Designed to serve both as a textbook and as a reference source for instructional developers who wish to keep up with developments in the field, this book presents a broad view of the field of instructional development (ID) together with in-depth descriptions of important new topics and the latest developments in the old ones. The 48 chapters,…

This chapter presents and analyzes current developments in the evolution of the instructional development model. First, basic definitions of general systems and instructional development model terms are provided, and the differing uses of the terms instructional development, instructional technology, and educational technology are considered. The…

Designed to assist teachers in identifying quality software, this guide provides software evaluation forms and associated evaluation criteria to aid in completing the forms. The two-part instrument is used in the evaluation process conducted by Alberta Education, which involves the Program Development Division and the Computer Technology Project's…

A school system's testing program can be used as a tool in curriculum development and instructional improvement if the tests match the goals and objectives of the instructional program and what is taught in the classroom. Test-taking skills should be taught so that the test will accurately reflect certain knowledge. Test results should be an…

A study examining the relationship between the importance of instructional goals and instructor use of instructional strategies based on the five stages of group development (orientation, norm development, conflict, productivity, and termination) is reported. Instructional design is concerned with prescribing methods of instruction based on…