Proposes a framework for designers and teachers to research better design methodologies for distance education and to choose the most appropriate technologies and design better instructional tasks. Presents a scenario in which inherent characteristics of technologies are merged with task characteristics to create positive and powerful educational…

Discusses when instructional designers, communicators, and learners should use multimedia. Outlines reasons for using sound in multimedia; discusses how to use music, voice, and animation; and describes how to reap the benefits of video for online documentation when the costs of the medium are justified. (AEF)

Describes an approach for designing low cost learning laboratories by using new tools and combining existing tools in innovative ways. Discusses human problem-solving behavior and problem-solving instruction in complex situations, the role of software tools, and the creation of instructional systems development in systems thinking. (PEN)

Discusses diversity in the workplace and offers guidelines for practitioners in designing, developing, and implementing diversity training. Highlights include linking the diversity initiative to the organization's mission, cultural climate assessments, reviewing policies and procedures, needs assessment, learner analysis, establishing objectives,…

Discusses the design of high quality Web-based online programs for higher education distance learning courses using the framework of grounded design. Uses an example of a graduate instructional technology course to focus on five areas of design decisions that best facilitate learning outcomes: psychological, pedagogical, technical, cultural, and…

Discussion of barriers to effective learning when librarians teach students with limited English proficiency focuses on second language acquisition theories and teaching practices derived from them which can significantly impact outcomes of information literacy instruction. Includes a checklist for course preparation and instruction. (Author/LRW)

Provides an overview of issues identified by undergraduate students through an evaluation of a distance learning course at the University of Wollongong (Australia) delivered in a distributed learning environment. Highlights include pedagogical issues and solutions; technological issues and solutions; and learning support issues and solutions.…

This study proposes a hierarchical hyper concept map (HHCM) course system which consists of a navigation map, concept maps, and hypermedia documents. Results of testing the HHCM as a course representation showed achievement was greater for students learning from the course represented by HHCM compared with those learning from a linearly…

Reviews the literature on the interactivity concept from the perspectives of communication, computer-assisted instruction, distance education, and interactive dimensions and functions for Web systems. Proposes a technical framework for including such dimensions and functions in Web-based learning systems. Discusses evaluation feedback. Interaction…

The sixth in a series, this article presents an interview with Dr. Todd Hoover, Associate Professor of Curriculum Instruction and Educational Psychology at Loyola University Chicago, whose work has included designing developing, and assessing major initiatives for the integration of technology into learning and teaching. (AEF)

Contends that the transition to a middle school setting can present special challenges for students with learning disabilities. Describes the seven-step CONNECT process, which can provide general educators with a tool for integrating instruction that meets state, local, and individual education program objectives within the general education…

Describes the development of a distance education program in Brazil where students perform physics experiments in secondary schools assisted by a distance tutorial system. Discusses advantages of Web-based instruction; instructional design; public policy; student responses; teacher responses; and student performance. (Author/LRW)

Presents an instructional forum in which students and teachers work with researchers to engage in coordinated cycles of planning and implementing instruction and studying forms of students' thinking that emerged in the classroom. Reports on an 8-week teaching and learning study of elementary students' thinking about distribution, including their…

Describes a teacher education course at Towson University that uses student online research portfolios with multimedia elements that are posted on the Internet to investigate and analyze technology integration in teacher education programs. Discusses research methodology; theory, including paradigm shifts; instructional design; student attitudes;…

Discusses use of the Web for online instruction and presents a design framework for creating online learning environments. Highlights include approaches to instruction, including behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism; learning activities; content; learner support; and application of the framework for a graduate course at the Indira Gandhi…