This book highlights the importance of design in computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) by proposing data-driven design and assessment. It addresses data-driven design, which focuses on the processing of data and on improving design quality based on analysis results, in three main sections. The first section explains how to design…

Basic considerations in the design of carrels and resource centers are covered in learner objectives, text, practice exercises, and answer sheets in this learning module. Topics addressed include factors influencing carrel design, workspace dimensions for writing carrels and electrically wired carrels, the proper distance from the chair seat to…

This description of an ideal school computer laboratory focuses on physical characteristics and includes guidelines for floors, walls, ceilings, doors, wiring, seating configurations, and furniture. (LRW)

This paper presents ideas to help educators develop a Web page geared to supplement classroom instruction. These suggestions include: (1) keep it simple, initially; (2) organize; (3) use tables; (4) apply color; (5) provide images; (6) consult others; (7) get class feedback; (8)consider a discussion forum; and (9) link to other sites that relate…

Reviews possible sources of reinforcement in computer assisted instruction and systematic utilization of these sources in courseware design. Sources reviewed include reinforcement from the machine itself; from the content of the instructional modules and its arrangement in a learning sequence; and from sources external to the modules. (MBR)

For educators interested in developing Web sites, four major issues should be addressed--ethics, prerequisites, design, and layout. By giving attention to these four areas, teachers will develop Web sites that improve their teaching and increase the opportunities for student learning. Each of these areas is addressed in detail, including:…

An instructional videoconference (IVC) is an interactive delivery mechanism for long-distance communication and education, which uses 2-way audio and 1- or 2-way video to facilitate interaction between presenters and learners who are separated by significant distance. This guide, intended for the staff of federal, state, and local programs that…

Discusses how operant conditioning has not brought instructional designers any closer to using feedback effectively in computer assisted instruction they design, defines and describes types of feedback, presents guidelines for effective feedback use, and suggests use of templates to bring instructional design to a sophisticated level of…

This paper presents guidelines for World Wide Web-based instructional design, based on the 3Ls (i.e., linking, layout, and learner support). The first section, focusing on macro level design, discusses nodes and links, including how nodes work, determining nodes, node size, presentation format, characteristics of links, and kinds of links. The…

Explores the pros and cons of various computer menu layouts to be used with computer-assisted learning media. The importance of designing a screen menu that takes into consideration the student's learning style is emphasized. (Author/LRW)

This booklet is designed to help users understand the skills and concepts needed to develop effective computer assisted instruction (CAI) programs in any computer language and to polish and extend BASIC language programming skills. It assumes some idea of CAI and some BASIC programming (but not fluency), and can be used for self-study, in a…

Examines factors to be considered before deciding what type of instructional control is desired in computer-assisted instruction and presents guidelines for determining locus of instructional control. Guidelines relate to learner age and ability, learning task, use of coaching procedures, inclusion of structural guidance, and procedures for…

Reviews research on uses of computer sound and suggests how sound might be used effectively by instructional and interface designers. Topics include principles of interface design; the perception of sound; earcons, both symbolic and iconic; sound in data analysis; sound in virtual environments; and guidelines for using sound. (70 references) (LRW)

Presents factors involved in designing a microcomputer facility, including how computers will be used in the instructional program; educational specifications; planning committees; user input; quality of purchases; visual supervision considerations; location; workstation design; turnkey systems; electrical requirements; local area networks;…

Addresses issues in designing or enhancing a computerized training room for teaching end-users how to search online databases. These include environmental aesthetics and practical considerations such as lighting, sound, wiring, furniture, and equipment and software selection. How to design the room to suit multiple purposes and to accommodate…