Based on intuitive speculation, a literature review, and trial situations with students, this comprehensive listing describes, explains, and classifies the functions that visuals might perform when used to support verbal narration. This summary will be followed in the future by establishment and testing of the functions' validity. (MBR)

Discusses some basic theoretical perspectives in second-language learning and draws tentative links with underlying themes and processes in simulation gaming. It is argued that the application of simulation gaming to second-language learning encourages learners to play with language symbols and enjoy themselves while learning. (Author/MBR)

Describes characteristics of structured text design; benefits of its use in training; benefits for developers of training materials and steps in preparing training materials. A case study illustrating how the structured text design process solved the sales training needs of the Mercedes-Benz Truck Company is presented. (MBR)

Suggests how some of the recent theories about adult learning may be incorporated into a practical schema for adult and community education. Considers factors such as the learner's experience, adult life cycles, andragogical vs. pedagogical models, successful instructional strategies, lifelong learning, technogical change, and self-directed…

Presents an approach to microcomputer courseware design that follows the engineering systems model and discusses areas of expertise needed by courseware designers, key courseware design questions, the accompanying teacher's guide and its components, and evaluation criteria teachers need to remember before purchasing instructional programs. (MBR)

Reviews possible sources of reinforcement in computer assisted instruction and systematic utilization of these sources in courseware design. Sources reviewed include reinforcement from the machine itself; from the content of the instructional modules and its arrangement in a learning sequence; and from sources external to the modules. (MBR)

Discusses steps educators should work through when reviewing educational software, e.g., role playing intended users, analyzing instructional approach, identifying inaccuracies, using software and giving incorrect responses to see how software responds, and assessing the software's human values criteria. An educational software review form is…

Leadership, the process of influencing activities of an individual or group to accomplish situational goals, is carried out by instructional developers. When this behavior was explored in terms of task and relationship, results indicated that differences in leadership may exist, although not to the extent indicated in the literature. (MBR)

A study was designed to examine and describe planning strategies used by persons developing continuing professional education (CPE) programs for six professional fields. The research methods used to guide the inquiry were those of grounded theory. From the description of practice in the six professions, a general model portraying the program…

Methodology for developing a computer assisted instruction (CAI) lesson (scripting, programing, and testing) is reviewed. A project done by Informatics Education Ltd. (IEL) for the Department of National Defense (DND) is used as an example. (JT)

The intent of this brief outline on the significant components of open education is to present to the teacher a means by which open education characteristics can be operationalized in the classroom. (Editor/RK)

This paper focuses on the research competencies of students in Instructional Design and Technology (IDT) programs. First, we describe how research is being taught to students enrolled in several leading IDT programs. Next, we present findings from a survey administered to determine what knowledge and skills are being taught to IDT graduate…

Open source online learning environments have emerged and developed over the past 10 years. In this paper we will analyze the underlying philosophy and features of MOODLE based on the theoretical framework developed by Hannafin and Land (2000). Psychological, pedagogical, technological, cultural, and pragmatic foundations comprise the framework…

Instead of designing by following prescriptive models, students may benefit by approaching design as a process of free inquiry. This paper considers the impact of this inquiry-based approach on students' thinking by considering the ways that students represented the design process at the end of an inquiry-based design course.

This article reports on a study aiming to design learning systems in which students' knowledge of reflection is brought closer to institutional knowledge of this isometry and to compare how their activities shape and are shaped by different forms of mediation. It presents descriptions of interactions of groups of students (aged 12-13 years) with…