While graduate programs in instructional design provide education in communications theory, media research, information systems, motivation theory, and behavioral and cognitive psychology, practice in the field often reflects a more pragmatic approach. In October 1985, Training Magazine surveyed thousands of training professionals responsible for…

Theorists, researchers, and practitioners should be problem solvers, and need to integrate research findings within practical models. Given a defined instructional problem, the recommendation of an appropriate solution should be based on the realization that only prescriptive design theory emphasizes methods and presentation specifications, and…

A model for the development of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is presented for the college classroom teacher. The following common software design models that have been helpful in developing CAI models are briefly reviewed: composite or structural design model, Jackson model, META stepwise refinement model, and higher-order software model.…

The University of Maryland's Center for Instructional Development and Evaluation has developed interactive video material for the Navy Medical Department to teach Navy medical corpsmen appropriate response procedures for each of seven emergency medical conditions: angina pectoris, acute myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, stroke,…

This paper describes the theoretical underpinnings and architecture of a new type of learning environment that incorporates features of microworlds and of intelligent tutoring systems. The environment is based on a progression of increasingly sophisticated causal models that simulate domain phenomena, generate explanations, and serve as student…

This naturalistic study of teacher educators explored the differences between the attitudes of methods teachers and instructional development (ID) teachers toward ID and teacher education. Three faculty members were interviewed in depth, and brief questionnaires were sent to seven faculty members in each of the two fields; responses were received…

This report reviews the 1984-86 projects of the University of Washington Center for Instructional Development and Research (CIDR), a central facility designed to assist instructors, teaching assistants, and departments in the continued improvement of learning and teaching. Following an overview of CIDR's funding, facilities, and staff resources,…

This chapter discusses General Systems Theory as it applies to education, classrooms, innovations, and instructional design. The principles of equifinality, open and closed systems, the individual as the key system, hierarchical structures, optimization, stability, cooperation, and competition are discussed, and their relationship to instructional…

This chapter describes a new type of educational development, called student development; considers how student development relates to faculty, instructional, and organizational development; and describes innovative student development programs at several universities. As used in this discussion, the term student development involves a process by…

This chapter describes the history and philosophy of the professional preparation program for instructional developers at Michigan State University (MSU). The history of the program is traced from the establishment of the MSU Audiovisual Center in 1952 through the Joint Film Catalog and the NDEA (National Defense Education Act) Fellowships in the…

Designed to assist California community college personnel in implementing 1986 regulations concerning associate degree requirements, this paper analyzes the key terms in the new policy, "college level" and "critical thinking," and discusses practical implications for assessment, curriculum, and instruction. First, the paper…

Directed towards academics involved in preparation of distance learning materials, this guide emphasizes the functions of audiotapes within an integrated set of distance learning materials. Planning, production, and evaluation advice is offered, beginning with a discussion of a model approach that focuses on consideration of budget, subject…

An important advance in computer assisted instruction (CAI) is the development of authoring systems that allow teachers to write software without the need for direct use of a higher level language. The primary advantage of authoring systems is that they provide teachers with the means to write CAI in plain English rather than using a computer…

A review of the research literature on systematic instructional design indicates that few empirically supported guidelines exist for testing materials under development and for improving materials on the basis of feedback from potential learners. In an analysis of 17 textbooks on instructional design, eight specific aspects to be considered in…

This report is the second of a series on cultivating excellence in education for the purpose of training and retraining school leaders of the 1990s. The common role of educational leaders in curriculum and instructional programs is discussed in response to the following question: How can an educational leader make sense out of the many diverse…