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 guide, itself composed of four modules, describes the preparation and use of modular materials for training programs in educational planning, educational administration and management, and educational facilities design. An initial module sets the context by considering the planning of an overall training program into which use of an…

The design of computer materials for self-directed language learning is discussed from two points of view: (1) adaptability or flexibility of computer materials; and (2) the potential and limitations of computer-assisted instruction for enhancing autonomous learning. Important considerations in designing flexible materials through careful…

This case study presents information on the actual cost of teachers' producing their own learning and instructional materials. The figures reflect the various elements that go into materials development and would need to be considered for similar undertakings. Descriptions of and average costs are given for 10 material development activities: (1)…

Suggests that music listening and musical concepts such as tempo, melody, and form can be taught to students of any age by programed tapes with accompanying study guides. Provides instructions for recording such a tape and discusses appropriate content for the study guide. (SJL)

This guide is designed to help the counselor work with adult students who cannot attend the 45-hour course on portfolio development and must prepare a portfolio within a program of independent studies. Chapter I gives an overview of the place that andragogical counselors occupy within the academic structure, their educational background, and some…

A system was developed in the Open Learning Centres to make resources and instructional materials available to adult basic education (ABE) students. The materials were organized so that information could be provided to students to help them make choices among the items. Initially, a color coding system was devised, but it was found that it was not…

This book contains 19 papers grouped in three sections that lead the reader through the process of planning, producing, and presenting materials in open and distance learning, based on experience in Great Britain. Following an overview by Roger Lewis, the Planning section contains the following six papers: "Resources and Constraints in Open…

This guide offers suggestions for developing learning materials for self-instruction by adults. It is based on methods used in the Bristol (England) Open Learning Centre. The guide covers the following topics: (1) using open (self-instructional) materials with basic education students; (2) supplying support for instructional materials; (3)…

This book is based on training sessions conducted by the author that focused on key issues in the design of self-instructional materials, including an awareness of the distinctive features of self-instructional materials, characteristics of the target audience, and coming to grips with the resources and constraints within which one must work.…

An examination of materials development for independent study in listening comprehension of English as a second language (ESL) begins with an outline of current directions in second language instruction. The discussion that follows has two parts. The first is a review of some changing perspectives on the role of listening in language learning and…

This handbook, which is based on a self-directed format, is written for adult education specialists, curriculum designers, and learning facilitators who want to help adult workers develop the basic skills needed for improved job performance. Discussed in part 1 are reasons for teaching basic skills in the workplace, considerations in developing…

A system to monitor student reactions to what is occurring on a computer screen is described. The system produces a split-screen image of the computer screen and the student's physical (facial and bodily) and verbal responses. It was developed to help improve an independent-study prototype for a finance course at Pennsylvania State University.…

Texts of conference papers and summaries of colloquia on second language curriculum design are presented, including: "Competency Assessment in Curriculum Renewal" (summary of session with Ian Harrison, Francis Johnson, Christopher Candlin, Anthony Green, David Nunan, Charles Smith); "The Evolving of a Curriculum" (Hiroshi Abe,…

This book presents practical solutions for teaching foreign language learners self instruction, ranging from needs analysis to resourcing, strategy training and monitoring tools. Special emphasis is placed on different ways in which learners can be supported by learning how to analyze their own needs and set their own goals, how to choose the most…