Presents and develops a general model of the nature of a learning system and a classification for learning systems. Highlights include the relationship between artificial intelligence and cognitive psychology; computer-based instructional systems; intelligent instructional systems; and the role of the learner's knowledge base in an intelligent…

Presents two systematic social studies instruction programs employing a modification of the scientific method: Proactive Action Model and Student Awareness of Global Environments. Both are designed to integrate perception, thought process, action, and closure to enhance critical thinking and decision-making skills in students through affective and…

To encourage the advancement of the arts in education, the article describes a form of interactive television that focuses on the use of creative drama techniques by the classroom teacher. (JD)

Discusses four major elements of computer assisted instruction (CAI) program (instructional objectives; presentation, interaction, feedback); describes attributional consistency, which involves developing CAI programs so each major element has a common topography (e.g., to discriminate, describe, demonstrate, depict graphically); and presents…

To be effective instructional leaders, principals and assistant principals need to know what's new in secondary school curricula. Education associations representing 14 subject areas outline the current focus, likely trends through 1990, and new practices in their respective disciplines. (MLH)

A California school district revamped its curriculum and established a quality-control testing system that evaluates how teachers and students are doing. The success of the program was dependent on the support of teachers and parents. Outlined are three important points for establishing such support. (MD)

Suggests individual educational technologists have developed a variety of work styles including those characterized as: knowledge expert, executive manager, social-analyst, and specialist. These styles of working, based upon work behaviors of educational technologists at Great Britain's Open University, are compared in terms of practices, focuses,…

Discusses development and use of Open Learning Institute's computerized course development and production systems which solved some of the inherent problems in course writing. A network of microcomputers which facilitates preparation of production-ready manuscripts and course authoring templates constructed from word processing software is…

Describes a case study which used the Agency for Instructional Television instructional development model to develop a television series on economics. Findings show how the model guided the series, its advantages, and its strengths and limitations, and identifies discrepancies between ideal use of instructional development and actual application.…

Two views of social studies curriculum development are discussed. The technical project view assumes a linear sequence of discrete events; the social process view assumes a dynamic, interactive relationship among policy, planning, enactment, and their sociocultural context. An alternative conception that integrates technical, social, and critical…

Introduces and defines strategic planning in organizational training, describes four current schools of curriculum theory--subject-centered, experience-centered, objectives-centered, and opportunity-centered--and illustrates how each theory can be modified to make training anticipate as well as react to organizational needs. (MBR)

Discusses standards developed by the Educational Computer Service of the National Education Association that incorporate technical, educational, and documentation components to guide authors in the development of quality educational software. (Author/MBR)

This study reports findings which pinpoint problems of computers in education. Maximizing their successful use in the classroom requires qualified staff, adequate hardware, and support materials. Principals must manage the implementation process effectively to ensure computer effectiveness in education. (MM)

Describes a study of student performance on national exams conducted in Nebraska by a consortium of nine school districts. Includes three tables. (MD)

Describes and compares three approaches to task analysis--behaviorally-based, concept-based, and cognitive process-based--and provides four tentative recommendations for determining which approach is appropriate in a particular situation. Five flowcharts and fourteen references are included. (MBR)