Offers a model of teaching improvement which rests on the assumption that if college faculty are to make meaningful changes in undergraduate learning environments, these changes must be made in response to some of the developmental and learning characteristics of their undergraduate students. Four references are listed. (Author/FM)

This simulated interaction between a human and a microcomputer is presented as an example of one way in which a computer could be used to report data and results from research studies on particular topics in school librarianship. A brief discussion of the example is included. (JL)

Describes an analysis of the possibilities open to the designer of class teaching materials based on the use of a microcomputer. Program design and use are related to the facilities the computer offers, aspects of teaching to which they contribute, and to the problems of making materials easy to use. (Author/CHC)

Recounts the history of a project which brought instructional systems development to the training schools of the U.S. armed forces. Included are the problems faced, the choices made, the focus chosen, the difficulties encountered, the product that resulted, and the outcomes of the project. (Author/CHC)

Briefly discusses the phases and components of the IPISD (Interservice Procedures for Instructional Systems Development), reviews three critical points (initial analysis, determining training objectives, criterion referenced test development), and provides recommendations to assist the performance technologist in playing the difficult roles of…

Needs assessment is an integral part of designing instruction for adults. However, more work needs to be done to strengthen the definition and theory. Needs assessment will be served by carefully designed studies that analyze the extent and type of impact needs assessments have had on subsequent program development activities. (CT)

Reports heuristic observations on how to conduct effective instructional development at the college level. Based on a 2-year study of instructional development at four major universities, the 18 heuristics listed cover objectives, software development, student involvement, relations with faculty, use of models, and management cautions. (BK)

Provides a descriptive 10-step format to be used for conveying some basic concepts of instructional technology to clients, and for focusing the consultant-client interaction, both during initial project definition and throughout project implementation. (Author/MER)

Lists proposed competencies to be used in a certification program for instructional development professionals. Twenty-six areas of competency are presented, with specific knowledge levels, performances, and evaluation competencies specified for each. (BK)

Discusses some of the problems faced by educators and systems developers in developing and implementing effective technological systems for the instruction, administration, and management of education on a broad scale. (Author/JEG)

Describes the instructional redesign of a physical therapy course through the stages of planning, implementation, and evaluation following a model developed by the Instructional Development Institute. (RAO)

Examines changes in the "supersystem" of instructional systems design (ISD) that indicate the need for a paradigm of training and education based on learning instead of sorting students. Emphasizes the necessity of developing initiative, teamwork, thinking skills, and diversity, as well as new learning-focused instructional theories and…

Instructional Transaction Theory specifies a set of rules for automated instructional design and development. Components include descriptive theories of knowledge and of strategy, and a prescriptive theory of instructional design. Rules include selecting and sequencing knowledge objects, selecting and sequencing instructional transactions,…

Examines two conflicting educational theories: constructivism and positivism. Constructivism sees human knowledge of the external environment as constructed and based upon the subjective observer, whereas positivism sees knowledge as fixed for scientific testing. Discusses their implications in the field of instructional development and recommends…

Describes how to use collaborative groups as a teaching strategy in a 200 student introductory astronomy class for nonscience majors. Presents a brief rationale for this approach then describes the implementation process and lessons learned. Emphasizes practical information most useful for faculty starting to include collaborative group activities…