Structural communication applies principles of cognitive psychology to the design of self-instructional materials. While most early implementations took print form, advances in computer and interactive video technologies offer increased opportunities, especially in distance education. Summarizes studies on structural communication in writing…

This description of a curricular adaptation decision-making process focuses on tenets of reflective practice as teachers design instruction for students in heterogeneous classrooms. A case example illustrates how an elementary teaching team transformed lessons to accommodate a wide range of learners in a multiage first- and second-grade classroom.…

An art history video created at the Columbia University (New York) Media Center for Art History takes the art student on a computer-animated video tour of Amiens Cathedral (France) designed to make architectural history come alive by illustrating the chronology of the building's construction. The Center was established to encourage faculty to…

Reports results of an investigation of the effectiveness of a prototype virtual problem-based learning (VPBL) exercise delivered via the World Wide Web to first year medical students. Compares the VPBL and a text-based version of the same exercise on students' achievement and examines instructional design issues including learner control and…

Provides an overview of practices and perceptions related to instructional design and online learning, including changes that come with online learning, merits and challenges, and concerns about quality learning. Recommendations are offered in the following areas: appropriateness of the Internet; course content; instructional styles; student…

Describes a study that determined the implications of computer graphics types and epistemological beliefs with regard to the design of computer-based mathematical concept learning with elementary school students in Taiwan. Discusses the factor structure of the epistemological belief questionnaire, student performance, and students' attitudes…

Discusses course management systems and their relationship to learning principles. Topics include use of the Web; hybrid courses; design standards from the Open Knowledge Initiative; the importance of electronic resources; personalized and customized knowledge; faculty responsibilities for course design; learning environments; concept formation;…

Synthesizes the research on hypermedia-based instruction while providing a meaningful historical and conceptual framework for categorizing the research to date. Research relating to individual differences, attitudinal measures, systems analysis, and performance is examined, and concomitant changes in pedagogy are also addressed. Contains 98…

Discusses the use of cognitive strategy instruction to improve students' performance in mathematics. The theoretical and research base for strategy instruction is reviewed, and developmental characteristics of students who have difficulties in mathematics are examined. A practical example of cognitive strategy instruction illustrates assessment…

Recommends application of social learning theory to medical education in ambulatory care settings, including preceptor attention to orienting and creating legitimate and appropriate roles for learners; provision of competent role models; careful organization of the experience to include modeling, discussion, and both guided and independent…

Explores techniques for creating cohesive active learning communities in which information can be linked to real-world experiences. Discusses four types of interactions that take place in distance learning environments: learner-content, learner-instructor, learner-learner, and learner-interface. Offers strategies for overcoming common barriers to…

Describes the design and development of library instruction for a freshman seminar at California State University-San Bernardino that focused on the library's online system. Highlights include active learning methods; information literacy; individual instruction; and results of course evaluations. (Author/LRW)

Explains the use of instructional design with a mastery learning strategy (IDML) in teaching mathematics. The IDML model, a combination of other theories including Gagne's instructional events, has been used to improve mathematics instruction in Malaysian schools, and includes developing test items, the teachers' development of learning materials,…

Serving a multicultural population presents a variety of concerns that must be addressed in the design of effective distance-learning programs. The inclusion of diverse cultural perspectives can also give rise to multiple opportunities for innovation. This paper explores concerns and the potential for innovation related to the delivery of distance…

Describes the development of a 3-D virtual environment for secondary school and college physics and chemistry. Discusses individual learning styles; the effectiveness of visual stimuli in science education; implications of visual learning in designing instruction for differences in learning styles; and conceptual understanding. (LRW)