The planning process is essential when implementing a Big6 Skills instruction program. First, identify what actually occurs in the classroom and school; next, analyze the data and create plans. A completed Skills by Unit Matrix (sample included) can be used both as a planning tool and as documentation of what took place. (Author/AEF)

Presents results of a study of the development of early mathematical competence related to counting among young poor arithmetic achievers in the four- to seven-year age group. An Additional Early Mathematics program was offered to students scoring below a criterium with either guiding instruction or structured instruction. (Author/LRW)

Outlines Web-based training (WBT) options (page-, frame-, and screen-based), provides general guidelines for designing Web-delivered instruction. Discusses case studies of a teacher's guide to the Holocaust and sales training for a telecommunications company. Provides addresses of sample WBT sites. Includes reader reactions and author responses to…

Defines thematic teaching, also known as interdisciplinary or authentic instruction, as representing cross-disciplinary programs which integrate cognitive, affective, and psychomotor outcomes. Highlights include integrating thematic teaching into elementary school classrooms, cognitive and social learning theories, motivation, cooperative…

This case study explores the popular assertion that success in technology-enriched science classrooms is gender dependent. Describes the TESSI (Technology Enhanced Secondary Science Instruction) project, and discusses findings that indicate that sound pedagogical practices and social organization in the classroom environment can promote gender…

Discusses the implications of delivering satellite courses to elementary grades based on results of the evaluation of two Star Schools projects. Focuses on: how the programs are used, importance of interaction, and role of the classroom teacher. Results suggest a new paradigm for using distance education technology for the elementary grades.…

Proposes a particular educational configuration based on computer-mediated communication (CMC) technology, the Learnet. Describes the three components of the Learnet model--social dimension, technological dimension, and educational dimension--and summarizes the features of each. Identifies and tabulates the variables of the Learnet model, and…

Considers the impact of mobile wireless technologies on Web-based Instruction and Training (WBI/T). Discusses the relevant technological infrastructure issues, content design and development issues, and differing modes of communication as they pertain to mobile wireless WBI/T, followed by a scenario of one possible WBI/T application. (Contains 12…

Each designer contributing to this special issue was asked to prepare an introductory lesson on the physics of motion aimed at eighth to eleventh graders. This article presents a brief description of how a detailed physics content was researched, edited, and refined by subject-matter experts, and then ultimately presented to the instructional…

This instructional design sought to create an easily graspable application of physics principles. It took an engineering slant on the content, asking students to investigate physics by attempting to increase the productivity of a "Splam-canning" plant. Design strategies are outlined for six science principles and eight product utilization…

Summarizes a discussion by the authors of this special issue that took place after the five instructional designers created lesson plans for the same design task. Highlights include the specified content's convergent effect on the designs; design philosophies; things that surprised the designers; and their favorable responses. (AEF)

Describes the distance learning initiative at the Scarman Center for the Study of Public Order (UK), focusing on two Masters courses. Discusses the course design, course materials, study guides, and complementary reading materials. Describes elements of the student support system: the student handbook, "fax-a-tutor" system, regional…

A study of 279 females at the University of Qatar that received the Group Embedded Figure Test (GEFT) indicated no interaction between learning style (field independent FID/FD field dependent) and three visual treatment types. Findings indicate the possibility of designing instructional materials to reduce achievement differences between FID and…

The success of distance education programs is directly related to the systematic instructional design and communication technology; the quality of instructional material and systems is critical to the success of a distance learning system. Merging technologies are of great importance to distance learning programs because the advanced instructional…

Proposes inclusion of case studies to instructional design courses to better prepare students for employment in instructional positions in corporate and educational settings. Discusses benefits of case studies and their application in instructional design, presents a conceptual rationale for their use, outlines the design and integration of case…