Reacts to criticisms of the mainstream approach to economics. Claims alternative approaches produce no workable analytic mechanisms. Emphasizes that there is no magic formula for teaching economics. Advocates offering teachers a choice of curricula and allowing adaptation and individualization of material. Points out types of core material to be…

Analyzes information from teacher logs and interviews to describe what is taught in elementary school mathematics classes and to identify instructional weaknesses. Makes recommendations for curriculum reform. (FMW)

Based on a review of the literature, this article examines the roles of a computer conference moderator in distance education. Highlights include the role of technology in distance education; interactions in learning, including synchronous and asynchronous interaction; reliance on discussion; and pedagogical, social, managerial, and technical…

Describes a list of attributes of instructional materials based on a review of instructional design literature that was validated and found reliable through a series of studies. Four categories of attributes are presented: (1) instructional design; (2) language, including semantic and syntactic structures; (3) presentation, including layout; and…

Discusses gender differences in the use of computers and the need to achieve greater computer equity. Highlights include curriculum and staff development issues; instructional techniques to encourage computer equity; and a new model of instructional design based on Keller's Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction (ARCS) model that addresses…

Offers perspectives on mathematics education from an instructional design viewpoint through an overview of the conflicting ideological paradigms and three case studies illustrating those models. Presents a personal narrative of the importance of social and cultural realities as a professional engineer. (54 references) (MDH)

Defines virtual reality and describes its application to psychomotor skills training. A description of a system that could be used to teach a college course in physical therapy, including the use of miniature computer workstation, sensory gloves, a programmable mannequin, and other existing technology, is provided. (Contains 10 references.) (KRN)

Discusses several systems models of interaction in distance education and relates them to the contexts of instructional delivery, instructional design, instructional theory, and learning theory in order to establish conceptual parameters for the function of interaction. Models covered include those developed by Dick and Carey, Shannon and Weaver,…

Provides a conceptual foundation for the development of hypermedia as an instructional tool for addressing individual differences in learning styles. Highlights include a literature review; computers and instruction; individual differences, computers, and instruction; cognitive controls; cognitive styles and learning; personality types; and future…

Studies the statistical validation of a multiple-choice test designed to assess instructional design competency. Compares test results of instructional design professionals, graduate and nongraduate education students, and graduate and nongraduate noneducation students. Results indicate that the test accurately sorted respondents into their…

Presents results of a qualitative study of problem solving in the domain of instructional design. Novice and expert instructional designers worked on a "think aloud" design task, and their instruction protocols were analyzed for problem-solving processes. Analysis revealed that experts and novices used divergent design models and…

Discusses interactive instruction methods using computer-based instruction (CBI), computer-based training (CBT), and interactive video (CD-I, DVI, and IVD.) Ten ways that interactive training saves time and cost for employees and employer are listed. (Contains 12 references.) (SLW)

Presents a historical overview of visualization as a cognitive strategy in human creativity, discovery, and problem-solving. Highlights include visualization as a cognitive strategy for solving everyday problems; visualization by scientists and inventors; counter examples; and implications for multimedia learning environments, instructional…

Discussion of instructional design and instructional development focuses on four studies conducted in Newfoundland that examined instructional development knowledge, competency, and use among teacher-librarians, secondary school teachers, and elementary school teachers. Results are reported that indicate teacher planning is done using personal…

Defines multimedia didactics and notes instructional aids they offer. Highlights include interactivity within learning programs; the visualization and presentation of learning contents; the effectiveness in information programs; and the challenge of multimedia didactics for research and teaching. (AEF)