Presents three tenets for a computer course that blends a skills course centered on programing language and its uses and an awareness course focusing on computer literacy. The tenets suggest focusing on well-established aspects of computing, emphasizing concepts, and centering on computer applications. (MBR)

Topics discussed in 14 papers concerned with software design, curriculum development, evaluation, and intelligent systems include teaching and learning systems, development of computer-assisted learning (CAL) courseware (music and reading), evaluation of CAL packages for mastery learning and modelling, assessment of CAL in physics and the primary…

Reviews general principles of adult learning; describes nature of the adult learner as suggested by the current literature; provides suggestions for the design of learning programs for adults; and reviews the implications of accepting ideas about motivation derived from adult learning theories for colleges and staff engaged in correspondence…

This paper focuses on critical factors regarding the effectiveness of the course-related or course-integrated mode of bibliographic instruction: administrative problems (cost in time and personnel, coordination and scheduling materials development); critical role of faculty; consistency of instruction; transference of library knowledge from one…

Identifies problems inherent in using a "live" database search in initial instruction of online users and discusses the advantages of using prerecorded videocassette database searches as produced by University of California Berkeley's School of Library and Information Studies. A videotape explaining use of the online catalog…

Describes the development of a set of training modules based on the learning by example paradigm, with modules differing in the degree of guidance offered to the learner. The program structure is outlined, and three kinds of loops used to adapt the program to the learner's performance are discussed. (MBR)

Eight educational propositions support research that reflects the interacting effects of teacher and learner characteristics on educational outcomes. (MM)

Several empirical studies are discussed which indicate that adapting the level of support, the difficulty of the learning task, or support as well as difficulty has beneficial effects on learning and transfer test performance. Three conclusions can be drawn from the presented studies. First, both the level of available support and the difficulty…

This article describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of a diagnostic experiential simulation (Gredler, 2004) in a graduate Performance Technology (PT) course. Simulations are experiences that provide an authentic learning environment that scaffolds novices' problem solving while minimizing the risks of 'practicing' their newly learned…

This handbook provides educators with strategies and ideas for incorporating multimedia projects into the curriculum for grades 4-12. With a focus on student learning, the authors show how to plan and implement multimedia activities and engage students in expressing themselves through a variety of media. Using the DDD-E model (Decide, Design,…

Reflective thinking skills are important in a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) environment by helping learners engage deeply in the problem-solving process. The research on learners' perceptions of factors prompting reflective thinking in a PBL environment is limited, and it is not clear whether there is a difference in perceptions of these factors…

This article presents guidelines formulated by Learning By Grace, Inc., one of the nation's leading providers of online resources for homeschoolers, and is intended to help home educators navigate the multitude of available choices so that they will be better equipped to select the provider that offers the curriculum and services most suited to…

Students enter the introductory Management Information Systems (MIS) class having heard all the hype regarding the information technology (IT) profession, but often knowing little of the realities. In an effort to have general business students gain a deeper understanding of the IT profession and the IT professional, the authors developed an…

This information brief explains principles of universal design as an approach to providing access for students with disabilities to the general education curriculum. The premise of universal design is that environments and products should be designed for maximum usability including flexible curriculum and learning environments to allow students…

Professional development opportunities must offer a learning environment that creates a nurturing, creative, successful atmosphere for the learners. Instructional design models, learning styles, and technology implementation strategies impact this supportive environment. This paper discusses the importance of such a learning environment for…