This book, written by authors representing 12 countries and five continents, is a collection of international perspectives on distance learning and distance learning implementations in higher education. The perspectives are presented in the form of practical case studies of distance learning implementations, research studies on teaching and…

A library skills program for freshman composition students was redesigned to correct problems caused by a lack of uniformly accepted methods of implementation. Changes made included a revised workbook, streamlined class sessions, enforcement of due dates for exercises, and improved communication with faculty. Three references are listed. (MES)

The development of computer-based instruction will be greatly facilitated by the use of an effective and efficient design model. Five components of such a model are: (1) the objective; (2) the content; (3) the questions; (4) the boundaries; and (5) the entry skills. A good objective describes either something observable that learners do, the…

This chapter outlines the theory of cost-benefit analysis and discusses its application to determining the cost-benefit of instructional development projects. Three types of applications are discussed: (1) descriptive applications of single projects; (2) predictive studies of proposed projects; and (3) comparative analysis of alternative projects…

A survey was conducted of more than 300 instructional developers, asking which books they would recommend for a variety of different uses. To assist them, a listing of 139 instructional development books taken from a recent journal article was included with the survey. Participants, who represented a diverse but highly-experienced group, were…

Arguing that the failure of instructional materials is frequently due to misconceptions held by their developers concerning the nature of comprehension, this chapter examines the factors involved in comprehension and relates them to the design of instructional materials. Three types of errors in comprehension are discussed, and ways to avoid them…

This chapter addresses the relationship between three different approaches to educational improvement--instructional development (ID), organizational development (OD), and faculty development (FD). These three approaches are related to each other using the concept of readiness for innovation, and a spiral relationship is postulated: an individual,…

Designed to serve as an introduction to instructional development for the teacher or graduate student who has not read extensively in the field, this chapter presents an operational definition of the instructional development process; explores the human dimensions of the process; provides graphic models of instructional development; and makes…

This description of the model used to teach instructional development to teachers at the University of Kentucky includes strategies and approaches used in the course; exercises, projects, and activities used in the class; and copies of forms and handouts used by the class. Alternative teaching materials, primarily textbooks, are also described.…

This discussion of the effects of unionization of teaching faculty upon the instructional development process in higher education examines both the collective bargaining process and strikes. Mailed questionnaires were used to collect data from instructional developers in instructional development agencies, faculty members, and students. Various…

Explains a strategy for the design and development of instructional programs for educational television in developing nations using a modified version of the Shannon-Weaver Communication Model. Highlights include design strategy, manner of presentation, and stages of program development. The importance of making materials realistic and culturally…

Reviews the concepts and techniques used in developing textual materials that teach, focusing on those that have evolved during the trend toward programmed instruction. The possible application of cognitive psychology concepts to instructional material design is discussed. (21 references) (CLB)

This chapter contains a description of the research strategy and subsequent results of a study that was conducted to gather information about Instructional Improvement Centers (IIC) in higher education. An IIC is an organization that is charged with facilitating the improvement of those competencies of faculty members that will lead to an…

This chapter examines several aspects of the instructional development (ID) process as it occurs in higher education, and presents arguments: (1) in favor of using students in various aspects of the instructional development process; (2) in favor of "shotgunning" rather than taking on only large projects; and (3) against confusing instructional…

This article presents guidelines designed to assist instructional developers in improving their performance in workload estimates for prospective training development projects. Also provided is a description of an instructional systems development model for estimating, which includes front end analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation. (LRW)