Describes a study comparing learner control and program control, and the effects of giving learners information about their achievements in relation to criterion during instruction. Success was measured in terms of posttest scores, time on task, and number of instructional examples required. References are included. (Author/BK)

Summarizes a workshop exploring quality in education and training. Describes a role-playing exercise in which small groups of teacher participants planned and delivered a short teaching and learning session, observed and reported on the planning process and differences in learner and teacher expectations, and derived a list of points to ensure…

Identifies six significant themes for teaching intermediate macroeconomics at the college level. Included are the need for a unifying approach, adaptability of course content, emphasis on formalism, coordination within the economics curriculum, stimulation of student learning, and needs for assessment. Discusses additional options for…

The articles in this special issue illustrate research in the fields of instructional design and distance education that share the common goal of using the findings to improve practice. Through case studies, the authors contribute ideas, examples, and research data related to the design, development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous…

This discussion of blended learning environments covers: (1) background; (2) why the term "blended" is used, and what can be blended; (3) goals of blended learning environments, including pedagogical richness, access to knowledge, social interaction, personal agency, cost effectiveness, and ease of revision; and (4) characteristics of…

Presents a critique of the five case studies of blended learning environments in this issue. Comments are organized around the following four frameworks: (1) the J-curve of implementation; (2) the theory of Engaged Collaborative Discourse; (3) adaptation to individual differences; and (4) Validity-Centered Design. (MES)

Presents a cross-sectional, quantitative descriptive study that examined community college professors' attitudes toward online learning. Results indicated that instructors realize the large role of technology and its potential to contribute to increased learning. Confidence in their computer skills was high, and they felt that the increased time…

Discusses design requirements, and advantages and disadvantages of the following learner-centered instructional development tools: information containers; authoring systems; templates, models, or widgets; learning-oriented instructional development tools; and adaptive learning-oriented systems. (AEF)

Provides practical ideas for "raising the bar" on student, technology-rich projects as teachers and learners work together to transform the learning environment. Explores levels of complexity in student products and determines what is realistic in terms of matching standards and activities with time and resources. (Author/AEF)

Presents the case that evaluation is an essential element of successful distance education programs. Uses a synthesis of the program evaluation and distance education research literature to form a framework for conducting evaluations of online programs. Evaluators should assess student performance, determine program and cost effectiveness, monitor…

This qualitative study details four elementary/middle school-level teachers' perceptions of external factors which tended to support or interfere with their initial efforts to implement a process writing approach. These factors included the building administrators, other teachers, state and local mandates, and student response to the innovation.…

Examines whether traditionally negative student attitudes toward social studies can be improved by particular teaching practices. Finds that teaching style seemed the crucial factor in the ability of an observed teacher to improve sixth grade student attitudes toward social studies. Includes two tables of research data. (DB)

Describes computer systems that combine drill and practice instruction with computer-managed instruction (CMI) and identifies system characteristics in four categories: (1) hardware, (2) software, (3) management systems, and (4) methods of daily operation. Topics discussed include microcomputer networks, graphics, feedback, degree of learner…

Discusses educational developers, their role in the preparation and delivery of distance education courses, and their interaction with teachers. Highlights include theories of educational development; a systems approach to educational technology; curriculum planning; setting educational objectives; designing instruction; and student assessment and…

Described is an integrated science program at Northwestern University, a graduate school preparatory curriculum that offers talented students a concentration of sciences at an accelerated pace. Provided is a suggested three-year integrated science curriculum. (MVL)