Describes Manpower Services Commissions Open Tech Programme, a developmental, project-based program begun in 1982 to open adult access to updating and upgrading training at technical and supervisory skill levels. Discussion includes issues arising in the program's management, administration, and the design and process of open learning and impact…

Describes study that compared the attainment gains of Guyanan secondary school children in science and geography following two different learning regimes, i.e., systematically designed learning materials, and conventional teaching. Implications of the results for curriculum design and teacher training are discussed. (Author/LRW)

Discusses how interactive video can be used as a training tool for process operators. Highlights include instructional features of interactive video, random access and branching capabilities, examples of training for operators of automated processes, simulation and interactive video, designing interactive video programs, and suggestions for…

Presents a definition of educational technology that points to three areas where research is needed: instructional theory, design-oriented research, and instructional design procedures. Computer assisted instruction and perceptions of media and technologies are discussed, and 74 references are given. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of intelligent computer assisted learning (CAL) systems considers both those that offer natural language communication to the user and those that are adaptive, generative, or self-improving. Current interest in student-built learning environments (exemplified by work with LOGO and PROLOG) is examined, and obstacles to future intelligent…

Hierarchical task analysis (HTA), which requires description of a task in terms of a hierarchy of operations and plans, is reviewed and examined as a basis for making training decisions. Benefits of HTA in terms of economy of analysis and as a means of accounting for complex performance are outlined. (Author/MBR)

Discusses what it is about home learning that creates a need for study skills improvement and the study skills required for successful home learning (information processing and personal skills, and support strategies). The role and responsibilities of educational technologists in helping learners to acquire effective study skills are considered.…

Develops a theory of mediated learning from practice. Problems inherent in developing theories are reviewed; general assumptions are identified; and a descriptive theory is generated that identifies favorable factors facilitating learning. Factors are checked for consistency and used to generate hypotheses for collecting research data capable of…

Suggests programming structures of computer assisted instruction for teaching severely learning disabled students be related to an established educational model. Use of performance contoured programming (PCP), based upon behavioral model of precision teaching, is discussed and contrasted with cognitive programming approaches. PCP applications and…

The problem of pacing distance learning students is discussed together with suggested pacing methods: insertion of questions in text of study guides; short-term, regular assignments; tutorial letters; audiocassette and videotape usage; and computer assisted instruction. (MBR)

Reviews current findings of empirical research on older adult learning, notes key differences in how older adults and young people learn, and suggests strategies that could be used to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of instruction designed for the elderly. (33 references) (Author/LRW)

Considers three aspects of computer assisted instruction (CAI), i.e., instructional program design, software tools needed for their realization, and assimilation of CAI in the classroom; discusses developments in CAI; and outlines techniques of knowledge representation arising from artificial intelligence and their value for student modelling and…

Summarizes findings of a collection of research studies at the University of Aberdeen (Scotland) aiding fundamental understanding of knowledge representation and its applications. Issues arising when a knowledge representation system is incorporated into an authoring language are discussed, including the problems of exteriorization, metacognition,…

Describes philosophy behind development of British Open University's course "Education for Adults," which emphasizes adult learner independence and autonomy and implements an andragogical approach within a distance teaching system. Significance of evaluation data from the course and the challenge presented to designers of courses are…

Describes ideas for making the best use of simple language processing interfaces in computer-based learning activities. These ideas are based on classroom observations of hearing-impaired, language-impaired, and unimpaired children using programs with a natural language interface which allows them to communicate with the computer about…