Describes computer assisted-videodisc systems recently installed in Central Africa and discusses pertinent issues surrounding interactive videodiscs, including system and training developments and a four-part assessment and development procedure which includes cost, stimuli, environmental and fidelity considerations, the development team,…

Presents a model illustrating distance education students' perceptions of their aims for studying a course. Analyses of verbal reports of four students using this model showed that their goals differed from those of the teacher and influenced how they studied. Relevance for external course design is discussed. (23 references). (MBR)

Provides historical perspective on the contributions of learning and instruction to instructional theory and discusses some major obstacles currently inhibiting its growth. Suggestions for future development of this discipline are provided. Emphasis is placed on the process of theory construction perceived by philosophers of natural and social…

Presents review of recent and current work in the United Kingdom on developing computer assisted learning aids (tape-slide presentations, teaching packages, simulations and emulations of commercial retrieval services) for the teaching of online information retrieval at library schools. Seventeen references are cited. (EJS)

Discussion of microcomputers to provide drill-and-practice in mathematics highlights educational research, early instructional software and its bad reputation, and the current trend toward the production of higher quality software. (MBR)

Describes an audiovisual teaching unit on the chemical laboratory technique of recrystallization which was developed along problem-solving lines and based on observation of student laboratory behavior. Discussion includes usual procedures for developing such units, how this unit solves problems typically associated with teaching, and its general…

PLANA is a training program for subject matter analysis and construction of instructional objectives. This investigation tries to find out whether education students in the PLANA program differ from other students on planning instruction processes. (BW)

Uses the Bradley Inventory of Reading Comprehension Software to evaluate surface characteristics (including documentation and instructional design) of microcomputer reading comprehension programs produced by Scott Foresman, Random House, Control Data Corporation, and Basic Learning Systems. All four programs received high scores, but the Scott…

Guide to instructional design consultation by school library media specialist proposes four levels of activity--action education, reaction, passive participation, no involvement--to be used in assessing degree of involvement in instructional design consultation process. An eight-step model of instructional design and assessment chart are provided.…

Briefly examines the Bell System as it existed before its break-up, changes that have occurred and what has resulted, and efforts of an instructional developer to design a learning experience for middle managers as they move into this new work environment. The resultant seminar and its focus are discussed. (MBR)

The purpose of this case study was to analyze the characteristics of an online learning community from the perspectives of 18 adult learners all of whom completed an online master?s degree program in instructional design and technology. This program was taught at a distance using the Blackboard.com e-learning system. Several program…

Science education is an integral part of scientific endeavors. When the National Aeronautics and Space Administration was created by an act of Congress in 1958, its charter required the agency to "...provide for the widest practicable and appropriate dissemination of information concerning its activities and the results thereof." Part of that…

This study focuses on teachers as designers using constructive hypertext and their perspectives on evaluating Web-based hypertext projects. The research setting was a graduate level course focused on learning hypertext and designing hypertext projects in Web-based environments. The 11 participants were in-service teachers and graduate students…

This paper describes the results of a study into the conditions that facilitate the implementation of innovations. This study originated from an earlier paper on the employment of the following eight conditions during the instructional design process: dissatisfaction with the status quo; skills and knowledge; adequate resources; rewards or…

Virtual reality (VR) can create a unique and interesting environment in which students at a distance can explore and investigate objects or scenes via the World Wide Web. Creating these VR components is a process that is much more simple than many believe. This paper outlines when using VR may be appropriate in instructional settings and describes…