Noting some of the major problems with current design experiments in education, a project has been undertaken with the long-term goal of constructing a systematic science of how to design educational environments so that new technologies can be introduced successfully. This paper outlines several factors considered to be critical in developing a…

Based on the findings of a content analysis of representative literature on educational technology, this report examines the trends and issues in the field, beginning in 1988 and continuing into 1989. It is noted that trend analysis, particularly year-to-year analysis which reveals less variability than decade-to-decade analysis, reveals topics of…

This paper reports on an empirical study of educators' perceptions of learning concepts, reviews the cognitive learning literature, and argues for an expanded view of conceptual knowledge and its role in education and training. The report begins with discussions of changing views of concept learning and declarative and procedural components of…

Two research studies were designed to examine computer anxiety in teacher education students at West Virginia University. The studies explored the relationship between computer anxiety and performance, and the effects of both prior computer use and the instructional format on computer anxiety and performance. The first study was performed as part…

This monograph is intended for use by vocational teachers, state supervisors, administrators, and curriculum developers as a resource guide in the development of sound curriculum for vocational programs in Arizona. It examines learning theories and principles and, where applicable, applies these ideas to vocational education. Chapter 1 introduces…

Cognitive science is briefly reviewed, and its implications for instructional design are discussed. The application of cognitive science to instruction requires knowledge of cognitive science, the subject content taught, and the system in which the instruction is imbedded. The central concept of cognitive science is mental representation--the…

This paper is concerned with the educational significance of interactive video. To clarify this, seven basic educational concepts are reviewed: (1) education and training are organized forms of learning; (2) goals and objectives can be grouped into the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains of learning; (3) education refers to learning…

A description is provided of the use of a Critical Thinking Worksheet as a pedagogical tool for introducing critical thinking to students of philosophy and informal logic. First, an accompanying handout introduces essential terms such as "argument,""conclusion," and "reasons or premises." The worksheet itself constitutes the second page of the…

The specialist team approach to the design and preparation of instructional television materials uses a core group of professionals who work closely together, each making unique contributions throughout the duration of a project. Typically the team consists of content authorities, an instructional designer, a writer, a producer-director, and a…

Effective materials for televised instruction are most likely to result from the coordinated efforts of a team of capable specialists. Composition of the team may be influenced by local variables, but the group should normally include (1) an instructional designer who develops an overall scheme in which interrelated parts of an instructional…

A study was conducted to document how 10 teachers of preschool handicapped children make decisions related to Individualized Education Program (IEP) development and revision, monitoring of pupil progress, and instructional modifications. Information also was obtained about exit criteria for students in programs for preschool handicapped children.…

Designed to encourage the use of a defined methodology and careful planning in creating computer-assisted instructional programs, this paper describes the instructional design process, compares computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and programmed instruction (PI), and discusses pragmatic concerns in computer programming. Topics addressed include:…

This paper argues that research findings from the study of teaching could be very useful in enhancing knowledge and tools for the design of both conventional and intelligent instructional software. It also suggests that if the ways in which teachers effectively conduct instruction are different and in certain ways better than other media, and if…

While graduate programs in instructional design provide education in communications theory, media research, information systems, motivation theory, and behavioral and cognitive psychology, practice in the field often reflects a more pragmatic approach. In October 1985, Training Magazine surveyed thousands of training professionals responsible for…

Theorists, researchers, and practitioners should be problem solvers, and need to integrate research findings within practical models. Given a defined instructional problem, the recommendation of an appropriate solution should be based on the realization that only prescriptive design theory emphasizes methods and presentation specifications, and…