Discussion of constructivism focuses on instructional systems design (ISD) and how it can help develop constructivist instruction. Highlights include ISD limitations; objectives and learning analysis, including Competency-Based Teacher Education and levels of learning; task analysis; and formative evaluation processes. (23 references) (LRW)

Discussion of systems design in education focuses on relationships with other systems dimensions of the design framework. Relationship options that imply different patterns of instruction are described, including information exchange, cooperation, coordination, and integration, all focused on a community-based system of learning and human…

Discusses legitimate peripheral participation and the idea of apprenticeship, in educational settings as well as in broader communities of practice. Highlights include the historical and situational aspects of learning; the contrast with constructivism; instructionism; the influence of computer technology; and empirical research. (11 references)…

Human resource development practice extends beyond training to the broader and more visionary role of facilitating learning for individuals, teams, and organizations. Designers of learning organizations seek to increase overall learning capacity, create ongoing adaptive capacity, and build autonomy and empowerment. (SK)

Distance education participants (n=35) at Athabasca University reported that (1) they averaged 5.96 hours per week studying; (2) they averaged 1 contact with tutors every 4 weeks; (3) their average motivation level was 4.23 on a 1-7 scale; and (4) they completed course events during only 40 percent of the weeks of the study. (SK)

Discussion of the emergence of performance technology within the field of instructional design focuses on job aids. Conventional job aids as well as expanded definitions of job aids that include decision making are described, and the influence of cognitive psychology and changing organizational expectations of employees are considered. (11…

Identifies fundamental questions in the design, selection, and assessment of activities that need further scholarly attention, reviews recent findings, and offers a conceptual analysis and a list of principles as a potential tool for constructing and assessing curricular activities. (CJS)

Describes methods for item construction for computer-based instruction (CBI). Use of a rational set generator (RSG) in presenting an adaptive sequence of items to the learner is described; a model matrix of a computer-based RSG is presented; concrete and defined concepts are discussed; and rule using is explained. (Four references) (LRW)

Examines some of the recent developments in cognitive theory and explores their implications for instructional design. Topics discussed include a shift from emphasis on behavioral theory to cognitive theory; task analysis; instructional objectives; learner characteristics; instructional strategies; metacognition; and the dynamic nature of…

Sixteen teachers were surveyed to assess the acceptability of various reading comprehension strategies teachable during middle-to-late elementary school years. The teachers rated "prior knowledge activation" as most acceptable, followed by "representational imagery" and "question generation." Ratings should be a prominent consideration in deciding…

This fourth in a series of edited transcripts based on a conference at Utah State University compares Gagne's Conditions of Learning with Merrill's Component Display/Design Theory, and suggests a merging of the two. Topics discussed include content structures, learning hierarchies, learning theories, learner control, problem solving, cognitive…

Describes the development of a demonstration prototype Research Reference Interface (RRI) that was designed to assist novice instructional designers in justifying the instructional decisions of knowledge-based instructional design tools such as expert systems, decision support tools, intelligent job aids, and hypertext systems. Additional…

Describes the Team Instructional Prescriptions (TIP) theory, which was developed to synthesize team training research into an integrated theory that defines instructional outcomes and conditions and prescribes instructional methods. Literature concerning team training is reviewed, and three models are explained that incorporate team development…

Discusses the use of story models for hypertext design. Relevant research is reviewed; interactive fiction is examined; advantages of the story format in instructional design are described; and a taxonomy of five types of story structures for hypertext design is presented. (Contains 56 references.) (LRW)

Provides an outline by which corporations can develop internal auditing programs to comply with government standards. Points discussed include roles and responsibilities; instructional design; and supporting documents. (MDH)