This introduction to a Distance Education special report on videoconferencing discusses the development of videoconferencing; its application in television, education, business, military, and law enforcement; and recent low-cost desk-top videoconferencing and videoconferencing via the Internet. Outlines the report's focus: videoconferencing…

Provides a seven item checklist to help human resources development professionals determine whether multimedia is a correct method to meet training objectives. Topics include instructional design considerations when selecting a training method; needs assessment; learning styles; content and the need for updating; and individual learning versus…

Maintains that diagnosis, explanation, and tutoring, the functions of an interactive learning environment, are collaborative processes. Examines how human-computer interaction can be improved using a distributed cognition framework. Discusses situational and distributed knowledge theories and provides a model on how they can be used to redesign…

The authors of a report on the technical adequacy of alternative reading measures reflect on issues concerning "whole language" terminology, the use of both quantitative and qualitative measures, and instructional decision making. (DB)

Proposes four main reasons that children are left behind in schools: unmet needs, lack of motivation, lack of foundation and prior knowledge, and lack of support for learning. Discusses Maslow's hierarch of needs; partnerships with parents; connecting to student interests; insisting on mastery; curriculum sequencing; brain-based research; and…

Focuses on several examples of software design that have been pedagogically successful and have demonstrated what is possible in software design and online learning. Contrasts are made with some examples of the current push into e-learning and how best to structure learning environments to ensure student participation and high quality learning…

Describes cooperation between librarians and faculty at Austin Peay State University to create a graduate level online course in multimedia that incorporates information literacy standards. Topics include virtual universities; instructional design in an online environment; library user education; course development; information literacy outcomes;…

Discussion of instructional design for distance education compares team-based and faculty-driven design approaches based on three online graduate degree programs in two disciplinary areas. Discusses design considerations for online graduate distance education, including needs analysis, content and task analysis, and media selection and design; and…

A training module about assistive technology using an integrated hypermedia format and principles of anchored instruction was developed and field tested with 57 undergraduate students, graduate students, and professionals. The trainees responded positively to the anchored instruction. This article details the module's development, evaluation, and…

An instructional unit in housing design created to address problems of group work in higher education is described and evaluated. Students and educators were consulted and literature reviewed for salient issues. The new unit was piloted with students. Results show design of group projects should address: project organization, assessment, balance…

Discusses theoretical backgrounds for training teachers to use the Internet, including: a history of the Internet, education reform, technology and education, teacher training, affective domains, learning styles, and evaluation. Instructional design considerations are described for developing the HyperCard Internet Primer, software introducing…

Discusses the basic concepts of andragogy, or the teaching of adults. Topics include differences between children and adults; characteristics of adult learners, including time perspective, motivation, being self-directed, and experienced in life skills; and effective program design for adults. (LRW)

A review of the research on designing instruction for students with significant disabilities identifies valid questions and the conclusions derived from these questions that focus on additional research needs. The questions are organized around three concerns: (1) the role of instructional materials; (2) ways to motivate students to learn; and (3)…

Educators must focus more on designing active learning and less on using the latest technology. As distance education technology develops, educational institutions face increasing costs and decreased budgets, greater diversity, increasing demands for continuing education, and competition from other institutions. Knowledge of instructional design…

Describes a graduate course in distance learning incorporating multiple technologies within a constructivist paradigm. Discusses advance planning; the course overview, materials and resources; logistics; technological issues; pedagogical issues; and difficulties and limitations. Lists suggestions for teachers using multiple technologies in…