The research of William Perry, the Harvard psychologist who documented cognitive growth in undergraduates, is summarized. Perry's theory is compared to Piaget's theory, and the view that Perry is an extension of Piaget is discussed. Also noted is the shift in locus of control and other measures that occur as students progress through Perry's…

The infrastructure required for the implementation of computer aided instruction is described with particular reference to the distance education environment at the University of South Africa. A review of the state of the art of online distance education in the United States and Europe is followed by an outline of the proposed infrastructure for…

Designed to assist educators in planning for technological changes in secondary schools, this report presents the findings of a survey conducted in May 1989 to obtain information on the use of microcomputers in Oregon's classrooms. A 46-item questionnaire was mailed to the principals, computer coordinators, and heads of academic departments at 21…

Experiences in the development of educational software in the Netherlands have included the use of individual and team approaches, the determination of software content and how it should be presented, and the organization of the entire development process, from experimental programs to prototype to final product. Because educational software is a…

The need for and use of internal consultants by many organizations and institutions is growing because of the rapid pace of environmental and technological change and the growth in the quantity of knowledge. Although much has been written about consulting roles, competencies and skills needed by consultants, and the use of consultants in various…

This paper describes the development, production, and delivery of a live, interactive telecourse in effective study techniques that is targeted toward individuals contemplating returning to formal education after a prolonged absence. The course, which deals with such topics as hearing and listening, reading, remembering, notetaking, and mind…

Linking Outcomes to Organizational Planning (LOOP) was initiated during the 1984-85 school year in the Austin (Texas) Independent School District. LOOP was designed to ensure that evaluation, research, and informal findings became part of the instructional planning loop; to provide information to the Superintendent on progress toward priorities…

This paper describes the highlights of a review of both commercially available videodiscs and research prototypes that was undertaken for the Interactive Videodisc Project, and sets out design principles suggested by the best examples, which take advantage of the unique characteristics of laser videodisc technology. Design options on three levels…

This paper describes the use of video to provide a screenplay depiction of a proposed artificial intelligence software system. Advantages of such use are identified: (1) the video can be used to provide a clear conceptualization of the proposed system; (2) it can illustrate abstract technical concepts; (3) it can simulate the functions of the…

This introductory chapter addresses the question of whether the field of instructional development is a science, an art, or some combination of the two. It is suggested that the field is not merely a collection of flow charts, diagrams, and techniques, but a unified whole, to be understood first in terms of its underlying research foundation,…

This chapter presents Hutchinson's Metamethodology, which is a methodology for building methodologies. The methodology is composed of a set of rules and procedures that, when followed and applied to any problem area, will result in a systematic set of procedures for dealing with that problem area. The following major processes of the methodology…

Focusing on the process of performing instructional development in the international arena, this chapter discusses how to become involved in international projects, organizations sponsoring such work, and special problems commonly encountered in international consulting. Pointers on how to prepare are given, as well as communication and cultural…

This chapter considers the professional status of instructional developers, the skills they need, and how those skills should be taught. Three differing approaches are discussed and critiqued: the specific skills approach; an approach which advocates the addition of "higher level" skills to the list of specific skills; and an "underlying skills"…

This chapter considers the relationships between accreditation, certification, and training for educational technologists and instructional developers, and examines the role of feedback and quality control in these relationships. The history of the development of educational technology provides background for understanding some of the problems…

This examination of instructional development from a futurist's perspective focuses on three questions: (1) What are the probable future developments in educational technology that will affect instructional development?; (2) What are the probable future developments in learning and cognition that will affect instructional development?; and (3)…