Discusses variables that affect the success of distance education programs in elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education or corporate training environments. Topics addressed include needs assessment, audience analysis, instructional design, course selection and reconfiguration, instructional delivery systems, adapting media and other…

Describes a project that was developed to create production guidelines for instructional design of computer-based training (CBT) for industrial purposes. Topics addressed include Bloom's Taxonomy; Gagne's Events of Instruction; behavioral foundations; cognitive foundations; simulation as an example of cognitive instruction; learner control;…

Forty-seven findings present generalities about (1) instructional analysis; (2) instructional design and development; (3) instructional presentation; (4) exploitation of educational technology; (5) evaluation of instruction; and (6) instructional management. Related comments provide explanations and reference information about each finding,…

French news broadcasts by Satellite Communications for Learning (SCOLA) may prove overwhelmingly difficult for typical intermediate-level students because it is written discourse in an audiovisual medium. However, thoughtful selection of material and careful preparation of related exercises can make SCOLA features rewarding even for students with…

Describes an instructional activity in which students collected and analyzed data from an urban environment. Explains that students developed an "urban attractiveness scale" and used it to rate different urban areas. Concludes that the exercise was effective as a learning activity. (CFR)

Describes an assessment strategy used by pharmacy faculty to grade student writing in a large-class, lecture-based course, outlining the steps the instructors took to recast an existing writing assignment so that it is carefully constructed and articulated, can be assessed quickly and consistently by multiple assessors (self, peer, instructor),…

This study examined comprehension in four groups of undergraduates under text only, multimedia, and two diagram conditions of text supplementation. Results indicated that effects of text supplementation are mediated by prior knowledge and learning style: multimedia appears more beneficial to surface learners with little prior knowledge and makes…

This evaluative case study examines the learning experiences of graduate students studying effective multimedia authoring. Continuum-based instructional design, behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, collaboration, the role of a matrix, transfer of training, and qualitative and quantitative results are discussed. (LRW)

Describes two studies that assessed decision-making skills using common cognitive errors and evaluated the impact of computer-based role-playing exercises on the development of these skills. Results with high school students, undergraduates, and earth science professionals are discussed which indicate that well-designed computer-based laboratories…

Profiles Thomas F. Gilbert, a pioneer and influential leader in educational media and instructional technology, who is often cited as the founder of the field of performance technology. Discusses Gilbert's educational background and early interests, contributions to scholarship, awards, work as instructional-design consultant and performance…

Discusses Web-based distance-educational opportunities in post-secondary education, reviews traditional models for instructional design along with available educational technology, and suggests a derivative framework based upon environmental factors and circumstance. Examines constructivism, computer-mediated communication, communication…

Discusses leadership issues that arose during the creation and offering of an Internet-based course for high school chemistry teachers including course organization, recruiting students, and technological support available to participating students. (Author/WRM)

Investigates the effects of audio and text density on the achievement, time-in-program, and attitudes of 134 undergraduate students. Data concerning pre-existing computer skills/experience and demographic information were also collected. Findings have implications for the use of audio, text and graphics in the design of computer-based instruction.…

Discussion of the development of distance education for instruction and training due to new technologies and software focuses on questions that need to be asked to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. Highlights include institutional and organizational concerns; content design analyses; development issues; implementation; evaluation; management…

Presents a program planning model to be used in developing educational experiences for adult learners in university and continuing education settings. Highlights include general characteristics of students; previously learned competencies; needs; objectives; instructional design; delivery; evaluation; administration and management; and research.…