Interviews of 12 television production specialists at universities revealed that they had no prior distance education experience but used prior television experience for instructional design, especially relative to audience analysis, instructors' needs, media integration, and interactivity. Experience rather than theory informed their design…

Describes how the NETg instructional designers devised a solution to rate what was occurring in their online courses and a quick way to convey interactivity for any unit for an entire course. Engagement and feedback charts were developed and dubbed "EKG" charts for their electrocardiograph appearance. Several EKG charts representing…

Examines the role of goals in the learning process and reviews another theoretical perspective, experienced cognition as additional justification for the constructivist revolution affecting the field of instructional design. Addresses the implications of experienced cognition for dealing with learning goals and learning environments. (Contains 32…

Explains IM-PACT (Instructional Model-Purpose, Audience, Content, Technique), a framework for systematic lesson design in an information literacy context. Includes an example of IM-PACT's application to a high school-level information skills lesson plan, collaboratively designed by the teacher-librarian and English teacher. (LRW)

Considers how philosophy of social science and philosophy of history can affect the methodologies used to conduct research and scholarship in the field of instructional design and technology. Highlights include social considerations and research ethics; research, ethics, and critical theory; and objectivity and the social sciences. (LRW)

Presents the instructional design aspects of a multimedia course delivered online via the Internet in a distance learning program at the Universiti Sains Malaysia. Reports results of a preliminary study that showed student perceptions toward online distance education focused on accessibility and presentation rather than pedagogical techniques and…

Discusses the results of an online survey that was conducted to investigate the competencies needed for instructional designers to prepare Web-based instruction. Highlights include analytical skills; creative ideas; design ability; handling course management tools; and similarities between instructional design for traditional instruction and for…

Suggests that there is an identifiable landscape (context, perspectives, sets of issues, methods, and values) associated with instructional design. Key features of that landscape include assumptions about the nature of being a person and living in society. Without some identifiable instructional landscape there is little possibility for progress…

It can be intellectually stimulating for students to examine images of the medical profession as depicted in popular song lyrics. Reflection on medical metaphors allows students to assemble a more reasoned perspective on professional health care reality. A variety of medical imagery is detailed that can be adapted for classroom instruction. A…

A qualitative study of four faculty members serving as group leaders during a distance-learning project involving Texas A&M, the University of Nairobi (Kenya), and the University of Zimbabwe determined that extended planning time and extensive collaboration between faculty members in participating countries are essential for multinational…

Highlights this journal issue's focus on teaching diverse learners, discusses teaching a common curriculum to students who learn in different ways, and notes that standardized instruction must give way to differentiated instruction. Dedicates issue to Donald Eichhorn, pioneer in middle school educational approaches. (DLH)

From an ecological psychology perspective, a full analysis of any learning context must acknowledge the complex nonlinear dynamics that unfold as an intentionally-driven learner interacts with a technology-based purposefully designed learning environment. A full situation model would need to incorporate constraints from the environment and also…

Examines distance education issues for corporations and offers a measurement tool to assess corporate readiness for distance education. Topics include costs; competitive advantages; customized training; effectiveness; organizational support; instructional design; managerial support; and learner attitudes. (Author/LRW)

Describes several elements of the Effective Schools Process and how they were implemented in the Oxnard School District in partnership with the California Center for Effective Schools at the University of California Santa Barbara. Reports on changes in teacher attitudes and perceptions a year and a half after implementation. (Contains 12…

Discusses the steps involved in designing and starting a corporate university, which is defined as a process promoting continuous learning and performance improvement. Topics include establishing a mission; creating a business plan; products and services; functions and processes; staffing needs; information systems; and resource allocation. (LRW)