Examines the application of naturalistic inquiry to the field of instructional development and suggests that such inquiry needs to be informed by research traditions in sociology. Drawing on social movement theory, an example of analogical theorizing is presented illustrating how this theory can be applied to exploration of instructional…

Computers are the objects of instruction, the means to deliver instruction, and tools for learning. Short case studies of particular programs show how computers are being used. Also discussed is how computer programs can be implemented. (JMK)

Intensive Assistance is presented as a routine to be used in helping marginal teachers improve. It is a systems team approach and provides a vehicle for developing human resources. (MD)

Discussion of the instructional development process from the subject matter experts' perspective explains how this process can be threatening and demotivating for them and how instructional developers can use interpersonal skills to overcome these problems. Topics covered include use of contracts, building a supportive climate, and active…

Provides guidelines for building self-instructional training packages to teach beginning microcomputer skills at any age level. Five steps are explained: outline curriculum and objectives, structure one lesson, produce the instruction, package the materials, and manage the lesson. (MBR)

This paper presents a description of the Australian University Teaching Committee (AUTC) funded project titled: "Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Their Role in Flexible Learning" that aims to provide opportunities for university teachers to create high quality flexible learning experiences for students. This is to be…

This paper suggests that the usefulness of current discussion of the Oral Communication Across the Curriculum (OCAC) issues and programs is limited by a lack of historical and conceptual grounding. The history of the OCAC movement is summarized and then four perspectives are suggested as ways to better understand the past, present, and future of…

Implementing exportable instructional systems has always been a problem for instructional developers. Even the best instructional systems lose effectiveness when they are poorly implemented. Researchers have focused their efforts on creating mechanisms to help developers and managers improve and control implementation. However, most of these…

This book proposes the application of peer tutoring to library instruction, primarily in the academic library setting. Chapter 1 provides a brief historical view of library instruction and current trends that make peer tutoring a possible form of library service. Chapter 2 describes peer tutoring as currently practiced in higher education.…

Recent research indicates that 48 of the 50 states have school curricula frameworks that contain one or more elements that call for some form of media literacy education. Such findings indicate that media literacy is slowly becoming an integral part of school curricula. However, full adoption of media literacy programs has yet to occur.…

This review assembles what is known from studies and analyses of large-scale systemic reform initiatives aimed at mathematics and science education, especially those undertaken by state governments and the National Science Foundation. The review concentrates on qualitative investigations, which reveal whether and how these initiatives converge on…

This digest reviews what instructional designers do, describes knowledge management, and indicates how knowledge management is influencing instructional design. The first section defines instructional design (ID) and briefly describes the ID process. The second section covers knowledge management (KM), including definitions of KM and systems,…

The research described in this paper is concentrated on the demand for high quality interchangeable knowledge objects capable of supporting dynamic learning initiatives. The general metadata models (Dublin Core, IMS, LOM, SCORM) for knowledge objects enrichment are reviewed and a critique is provided in order to claim the importance of the…

WebQuests have become a popular form of guided inquiry using Web resources. The goal of WebQuests is to help students think and reason at higher levels,and use information to solve problems. This paper presents modifications to the WebQuest model drawing on primarily on schema theory. It is believed that these changes will further enhance student…

This paper reviews the efforts of the Idaho Council for Technology in Learning to provide consistent and thorough standards for planning for educational technology, presents keys for meeting those standards, and offers suggestions for using these keys to successfully implement and account for planned technology use in the curriculum. The planning…