Provides recommendations for designing computer screens that will have positive effects on readability and learning. Topics discussed include the use of capital versus lower case letters; interlinear space; line length; and strategies that aid recall, including the use of chunks and margins, and the location of information in relation to graphics.…

Suggests that intermediate microeconomic theory instruction should emphasize individual elements of the topic as part of a general equilibrium model. Summarizes a model that can be used to highlight the unifying thread running through the subject. Discusses the submodels of the market, the consumer, the firm, and the economy as a whole. (SG)

Discusses instructional media and media selection principles that focus on solutions to learning problems. Three steps are described: (1) setting the learning objective, (2) choosing the best instructional technique, and (3) performance evaluation and feedback. Discussion explains four types of media classified by how they react to student…

Discusses the issues of language, learning and teaching, and kids and teachers in a whole language classroom. (MG)

Identifies how researchers have defined active learning, and synthesizes current findings on the instructional designs that facilitate hands-on problem solving. Proposes three additional areas of inquiry into the instructional needs of active learners. (SR)

Describes a study that was conducted with graduate students to verify empirically that the conventional spatial arrangements of diagrams illustrating relationships among concepts are interpreted consistently and to examine the role of spatial arrangements in establishing meaning. Implications of results for graphic and instructional designers are…

Describes six guiding principles to help training developers use content experts more efficiently and effectively to ensure training materials contain accurate, complete, and relevant information. Topics discussed include assessing content experts and the use of productivity tools, including checklists, test validation forms, and point sheets.…

Reviews the literature on the cognitive style field dependent/field independent (FD/FI) and suggests implications for educational technologists in their efforts to address individual differences among learners during the instructional design process that would narrow the differential learning gain between FD and FI learners. Testing for FD/FI is…

Designers of distance education must be concerned with learning style, isolation, feedback, pacing, learner control, interaction, motivation, access to resources, and course objectives. Some problems are alleviated by such audiographic technologies as telewriter systems. (SK)

The emphasis in the integrated model of character education on the development of the whole person and interaction with the whole environment requires that character education be seen as a dimension of the total curriculum. It means integrating character education into the academic curriculum, recreational activities, administration, and social…

Describes BACEIS (Behavior, Attitudes, Cognition, Environment viewed as Interactive Systems), a comprehensive theoretical model that includes internal and external factors affecting the development, retention, and transfer of thinking and learning skills. Uses of the model in instructional design, to guide research, and to critique existing…

Examines the use of Quality Function Deployment (QFD) methods for the design, development, and delivery of courses and programs through distance education. Topics discussed include problems in implementing QFD; implementation of QFD in training design; and QFD's contribution to service quality improvement in distance education. (Contains 28…

Summarizes data on doctoral dissertations completed in instructional design and technology programs from 1977-88, including the number of dissertations completed at each of 46 universities and faculty members who chaired the dissertations. Results indicate large numbers of students are concentrated at a few institutions with a relatively small…

Examines issues in the controversy between constructivists and instructional systems design (ISD) that were raised in an earlier issue. Students' prior knowledge is discussed, the development of prepackaged instructional materials is considered, transfer of training and prior learning are discussed, and the need for greater attention to research…

Discusses instructional gaming and examines the impact of Thomas Malone's theory of intrinsically motivating instruction. Relevant literature is reviewed to establish common threads, and implications of the gaming literature for future study of gaming and instructional design are suggested. (Contains 25 references.) (LRW)