Investigates the effect of activity content, its presentation, and the interactions between the two on flow experience (intrinsic motivation) in instructional activity. Results suggest that activity content has major influences on motivation; hypermedia presentations can add to motivation if used appropriately, or they can be distracting if too…

Presents an instructional development model, GOaL (Global Organization Localization), for use by global organizations. Topics include gaps in language, culture, and needs; decentralized processes; collaborative efforts; predetermined content; multiple perspectives; needs negotiation; learning within context; just-in-time training; and bilingual…

A survey of 267 instructional programs for children with hearing impairments found that schools continue to use basal readers and the language experience program extensively with students with hearing impairments; however, almost four of every five programs report that they use a whole-language orientation to reading instruction. (Author/CR)

To address diminishing resources and increased training demands, the Operational Training Unit (OTU) of the Federal Bureau of Investigation has saved almost $2 million by developing a distance education course to replace one full week of training at the FBI Academy. Discussion focuses on major issues faced by OTU in designing/delivering this…

An introductory psychology course integrates subject content with other disciplines in multimedia presentations. Comparison of large multimedia and small lecture classes showed that multimedia instruction was effective in teaching large classes without eroding motivation, enabling students to make connections. (SK)

Proposes preliminary guidelines applicable to the creation of hypermedia-based learning environments that draw on insights gained from research in a number of fields. The framework encompasses (1) the importance of modern pedagogy in shaping instructional design, (2) cognitive and instructional design factors that may facilitate development of…

Articles include: "Philosophy of Design, Design Education, and Educational Design: Introduction to the Special Issue"; "Opaque and Articulate Design"; "The Problem of Character in Design Education: Liberal Arts and Professional Specialization"; "'Dasein' Versus Design: The Problematics of Turning Making into…

Proposes a framework for the design and development of higher education electronic learning systems that focuses less on technology delivery than on university context, teacher views of learning, course planning, and teaching strategies. (SK)

Instructional components that positively influence performance of adolescents with learning disabilities are identified based on a comprehensive meta-analysis of 913 intervention studies for students with learning disabilities. Explicit practice and advanced organization are basic instructional components in a number of successful intervention…

Explores the theoretical underpinnings relating to self-regulated learning and considers how classrooms can be structured as self-regulated learning environments. Topics include assumptions about learners and learning processes; design principles; and components of self-regulated learning environments, including learners, teachers, learning tasks…

The purpose of this meta-analytic assessment was to examine the instructional effect of visualization, color versus black and white, and method of presentation (self-paced versus externally paced) in terms of facilitating high school and college student achievement on tests measuring different educational objectives. (Author/LRW)

Using computer graphics such as drawings, charts, and figures in textual instruction can enhance learning by providing a spatial concept of what is being read. It is important for instructional designers to determine the specific instructional objectives to be met, what level of comprehension they want learners to achieve, and how to use the…

Successful technology training for teachers begins with careful design of a staff development program, and must involve teachers in decision making. Time, access, and on-site support are critical for success, as are clear and relevant objectives for lesson plans, materials, and curriculum guides. (JKP)

Presents a case study that determined the traits international students bring to technical training that are most critical and which aspects of instructional design and delivery are affected by those traits. Results indicate that the most critical traits were value differences and language difficulty and that these affected all aspects of…

Taking skills and knowledge learned in training and using them on the job is transfer of training. Although difficult to measure, it is a key criterion for evaluating the effectiveness of training programs. Organizations can give training a higher probability of transfer by making it meaningful, continuous, job related, timely, and interesting.…