Describes development of a learning module for students studying foreign languages, which usually depicts social behavior between the foreign language nationals to teach communicative competence in face-to-face interactions between nationals and students. Marketing of the module, which was first produced on videotape and later on interactive…

Describes use of Canada's videotex system, Telidon, for instructional purposes and cites limitations in Telidon software and its high cost as reasons for the development and testing of an interactive microcomputer-based course authoring and presentation system called VITAL. VITAL's design is described and its implications for instructors are…

Describes the process of developing and revising a brochure to guide library patrons in conducting an author search on an online public access catalog in order to demonstrate the application of four steps in production of a functional document--analysis; planning; development; evaluation, testing, and revision. Three sources are given. (EJS)

Describes adventure games, a genre of computer simulation games that require the use of creative and intuitive approaches similar to those used in online database searching, and suggests that they can be used in training online searchers to develop creative problem solving skills. Reviews of several available adventure games are included. (EJS)

Examines instructional design (ID) courses offered in instructional technology masters program at San Jose State University. Course objectives, participants' needs assessment, resources and study methods, and student evaluation are discussed for introductory ID course; learning activities of advanced ID seminar are outlined. Sample student…

Describes the design and development of inservice teacher education courses on application of computer assisted instruction (CAI) in art classrooms, and summarizes participating teachers' opinions on educational value of computer software and peripheral equipment for specific art applications to which they were introduced during the session. (MBR)

Describes design, implementation, and evaluation of an interactive video lesson in preparatory algebra based on Gagne's instructional design principles, which was developed at the University of Utah. Highlights include learning objectives; program design elements, particularly use of reference files; areas addressed in formative evaluation; and…

Describes Manpower Services Commissions Open Tech Programme, a developmental, project-based program begun in 1982 to open adult access to updating and upgrading training at technical and supervisory skill levels. Discussion includes issues arising in the program's management, administration, and the design and process of open learning and impact…

Description of database management systems course being taught to students at School of Library and Information Studies, University of California, Berkeley, notes course structure, assignments, and course evaluation. Approaches to teaching concepts of three types of database systems are discussed and systems used by students in the course are…

Discusses the applicability of research into cognitive schemas, metacognition, instructional design, and learning strategies to textbook creation; the value of well-structured, coherent, and focused texts; readability formulas, narrative characteristics, science and social studies texts, glossaries, dictionaries, teachers' manuals, and practice…

Reports on University of Guelph field trials with Telidon, a videotex system, as the medium for an agricultural information service for Ontario farmers and as an instructional medium for testing and feedback in classrooms. From these experiences, conclusions are drawn about the potential of videotex for traditional and distance education. (MBR)

Provides a capsule description of a library research course in ancient Greek civilizations which was team-taught by a humanities professor and a reference librarian. Course objectives, research projects, commentary by librarian and professor, and applicability of the approach in other colleges and universities are discussed. Five sources are…

Presents a search strategy for locating time-series or cross-sectional statistical data in published sources which was designed for undergraduate students who require 30 units of data for five separate variables in a statistical model. Instructional context and the broader applicability of the search strategy for general statistical research is…

Examines the state-of-the-art of intelligent videodisc systems and of the aspects of instructional theory that have implications for design of hardware, software, and courseware for such systems. Some problems inhibiting the introduction of videodisc systems into education are discussed along with solutions to these inhibiting factors. (MBR)

Description of course on principles of instructional design includes model for message design which relates instructional events in computer assisted instruction to learner's cognitive processes. Guidelines cover attracting attention, specifying objectives, activating knowledge, presenting information effectively, guiding learning, eliciting…