Describes a study that was conducted to determine the instructional techniques and behaviors that either reduced or exacerbated anxiety in an Internet class for novice adult students. Through observation, interviews, and document analysis it was determined that low self-efficacy played a role in students' anxiety. (Author/LRW)

Investigates the claims of scientific objectivity that support recent changes in policies toward early-literacy instruction in the states of Texas and California. Uses a framework to assess the validity of this claim through the analysis of 10 major studies of phonological awareness. Finds the two states' curricular policy statements to be highly…

Reports on a study of nursing education at the University of Southern Queensland (Australia) that sought to integrate-computer mediated communication, collaborative learning, and reflection on critical incidences to make the most of learning opportunities confronted by learners and practitioners in situ. Discusses learning and instructional…

A survey of academic authors who work with instructional designers at Central Queensland University (Australia) found that 75% thought assigning instructional designers to faculties rather than having them remain in a centralized distance-education facility would be an improvement. Discusses the significance of the findings and compares selected…

Presents four possible solutions to the problem of preparing teachers for the future and using technology in classrooms: a single course approach; technology infusion; student performance, that puts responsibility of technology knowledge on the student; and case based. Provides an example of technology in teacher preparation at Michigan State…

Discusses the rapid growth and expansion of distance education programs and provides a framework for defining, planning for, and achieving useful results from distance education programs today and in the future. Describes the Organizational Elements Model (OEM) that includes planning, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. (Contains…

Knowing learner preferences can inform instructional design, but may not produce effective online learning. Five attributes that are strong predictors of an innovation's effectiveness should also be considered: relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability. (JOW)

This study examined the instructional contexts of six students with severe disabilities and six peers without disabilities enrolled in the same general education classes. The disabled students were much more likely than typically developing peers to have instruction focused exclusively on them and to receive one-to-one instruction. (Contains…

Online courses raise instructional concerns about goals, philosophy, changes in teaching and teacher roles, and evaluation. Creating interactivity is a crucial issue. Organizational issues include face-to-face components, group interaction, and prerequisites. Institutions must be concerned about faculty incentives, access and equity, ongoing…

Discusses the application of Universal Design, design of facilities to accommodate people with disabilities and others such as the elderly, children, and people with temporary disabilities, to higher education. Opinions of 13 faculty members about universal design provide helpful information for implementation. (SLD)

Discusses the place of GTE (Generic Tutoring Environment) as an approach to bridging the gap between computer-assisted learning and intelligent tutoring systems; describes DCG (dynamic courseware generation) which allows dynamic planning of the contents of an instructional course; and considers combining GTE with DCG. (Author/LRW)

Explains interactive radio as an effective tool for open and distance learning provided it is planned, designed, implemented, and monitored systematically. Describes the interactive radio counseling at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) that provides support to students who study print material and may attend weekend…

Discusses the development of online courses in higher education and the use of the Web for new modes of communication and information retrieval. Describes a study that examined instructional design for Web-based instruction and suggests implications for the conceptualization of a collaborative model for the design of online courses. (LRW)

Discusses the growing demand for online learning activities; considers the possibilities that the Internet offers for a flexible learning environment; and describes a framework for electronic learning that addresses institutional, pedagogical, technological, interface design, evaluation, management, resource support, and ethical issues. (LRW)

Reports on the findings of a questionnaire that elicited information from 99 instructional designers in Australia about their qualifications, the activities they undertake, and perceptions of their role. Variations based on place of employment are discussed, and confusion and negative perceptions regarding instructional designers' roles are…