Discussion of online instructional design by academic librarians focuses on a study at the University of Minnesota that compared mental models of librarians and students as they relate to online library tutorials. Reports on a review of existing library tutorials, usability studies, and student interviews about the research and writing process.…

Discussion of differences in the ways that female and male faculty approach the use of technology in teaching focuses on a study of female faculty learning design preferences in critical feminist teaching. Considers learner-centered approaches; interactions with students in computer-mediated communication (CMC); democratization in online…

Tests the effects of Web page design instruction on improving computer self-efficacy of preservice teachers. Various computer experiences, including weekly computer use, weekly Internet use, and use frequencies of word processing, e-mail, games, and presentation software were significantly related to computer self-efficacy. Use frequencies of word…

Provides practical ideas for "raising the bar" on student, technology-rich projects as teachers and learners work together to transform the learning environment. Explores levels of complexity in student products and determines what is realistic in terms of matching standards and activities with time and resources. (Author/AEF)

Presents the case that evaluation is an essential element of successful distance education programs. Uses a synthesis of the program evaluation and distance education research literature to form a framework for conducting evaluations of online programs. Evaluators should assess student performance, determine program and cost effectiveness, monitor…

Fourteen teachers of students with visual impairments who were visually impaired themselves were either interviewed in a focus group or observed in their itinerant or resource room settings. Issues of transportation, access to information, assessment, and instructional responsibilities were addressed. Participants reported that while barriers to…

Compared the perceived degree of learning and application of learning made by college students who took a course in either traditional classroom, Web-based, or satellite-based delivery format and identified reasons for high or low learning and application. Investigated which instructional strategies and instructional design factors affected…

Argues for including a spiritual component in educational-leadership programs for both preservice and inservice teachers and administrators. The curriculum would stress case studies instead of models of codes of ethics and strive for "a balance that weighs both the soul and the intellect." (Contains 11 references.) (WFA)

Reviews the history of and describes what biology educators should know about the topic of bioterrorism. Suggests materials that can be used to communicate more effectively with students and the community and prepare a classroom discussion on bioterrorism. (KHR)

Describes methods used by instructional designers to help subject matter experts (SMEs) create effective courseware, balanced between theory and practical application, that meets organizational objectives. A case study is presented that explains how to develop student performance objectives (SPOs) through needs assessment, the design of job aids,…

The article examines aspects of the question episode, seen to be central to interactive computer-based education. Question episodes may be ranked according to cognitive-domain taxonomies but may become degraded through exposure. Ways to vary questions to shield them from such degradation and the design of higher level questions are addressed.…

Investigates the effects of conveyance system design and social presence, in the form of teacher immediacy behavior, on perceived student learning and satisfaction in the televised classroom. Finds that system design and teacher immediacy behavior strongly impact student learning and satisfaction. (MG)

Integrates the results of a formalist discourse analysis of Freire's "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" with field observations of his programs in Latin America. Identifies some features of Freire's discursive construction of knowledge. Documents the practice of Freire's rehumanizing discourse within consciousness-raising programs in both…

The Oregon survey of 333 educators serving students with severe disabilities found their perceived prioritized inservice training needs included: (1) teaching students having specific handicapping conditions, (2) teaching functional communication, (3) teaching appropriate behavior and modifying inappropriate behavior, and 4) identifying/designing…

Describes the fragmentary recall of aural and visual messages and discusses the implications for instructional design. Topics discussed include cognitive processes; the characteristics and selection of various media and the relationship to fragment processing skills; classroom activities based on fragmentary recall; and direction for further…