Discussion of the field of educational technology focuses on the influence of instructional design on its development. Topics discussed include instructional applications of the systems approach; programed instruction; learning strategies, including large group and small group instruction and independent study; and behaviorist, cognitivist, and…

Discussion of course development teams for independent study materials focuses on a model developed at Grant MacEwan Community College (Alberta, Canada) for course team composition and operation. Highlights include advantages and disadvantages of course development teams; responsibilities of team members; objectives of team meetings; and work flow…

Examines the beliefs underlying promotion and development of self-directed learning and self-assessment, and the emphasis placed on these beliefs in an English language teaching master's degree program. The problems of tension and conflict between self-assessment and institutional assessment leading to certification, and the advantages and…

As an initial screening device for admission to the Independent Study Program at the Ohio State University College of Medicine, a numeric value was developed for 596 first-year students. The value was based on a combination of under graduate grade point average and Medical College Admission Test scores.The predictive value of the technique was…

A study investigated the amounts of time that 29 physiotherapy and 29 occupational therapy students in problem-based curricula spent in nonscheduled and scheduled educational activities, and whether students increased or decreased time spent while progressing through academic and clinical curricula. A general decrease in time spent on educational…

A studyware comprising a set of interconnected modules on human physiology has been developed and used to improve undergraduate students' achievements. Study results show the scores of students who used the optional computer laboratory sessions were enhanced over those who did not use the studyware. Presents examples from the modules. (LZ)

Describes the Star Project in which each student was allowed to select a topic in any area of interest and then to create a project around that topic. Students selected mentors (often parents) to monitor and encourage their progress. The article describes the project's successes and failures. (SM)

Presents five teachers' narratives about their learning experiences during sabbatical leaves funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities/Reader's Digest Teacher-Scholars program. Stresses insights to be incorporated into their teaching methods in English and Black literature, children's literature, Chinese culture, and the history of the…

In an effort to link information literacy and resource-based learning to cultural pluralism, faculty and librarians at Seattle Central Community College (Washington) revised an English composition course and a library skills course, linking their content of documented writing and literary research methods. Students must enroll in both courses.…

Technological advances have changed our definitions of literacy and our ways of preparing academically literate individuals. Over four years, formal evaluation of a Cornell University (New York) library-based information literacy instruction program and experiments using different instructional models has increased understanding of the concept and…

Describes the production of a computer-aided, self-testing system for university students enrolled in a first-year course in biological psychology. Project aspects described include selection, acquisition and description of software; question banks and test structures; modes of use (computer or printed version); evaluation; and future plans. (11…

Describes new educational approaches and classroom management procedures that are changing the professional education program at a business consulting firm. Highlights include a needs assessment study; skills development; specialists; adapting to change; computer-based self-study training programs; curriculum reassessment; and curriculum…

Describes how the physical sciences library at Western Michigan University introduced a mathematical database on CD-ROM and trained patrons to conduct their own searches. The "Mathematical Reviews" database (entitled MathSci Disc) is described, and three types of training are discussed: informal demonstrations, self-instructional guides,…

The Getting Started Together project is a 48-hour curriculum to enhance health care professionals' abilities to work with handicapped and at-risk infants and toddlers and their families. The curriculum was packaged into 10 self-instructional videocassette modules for people who are unable to attend classroom sessions. (JOW)

Reports findings of two studies of the effects of pupil self-recording of on-task behavior. Finds evidence for the effectiveness of self-recording in improving on-task behavior levels. Finds positive effects on academic productivity in multiple baseline study. Concludes self-control skills may promote independent learning behavior allowing…