Briefly discusses current views of the way anxiety decreases students' learning from instructional software and describes ways software designers might compensate for the learning problems of anxious students. (MBR)

Discusses instructional strategies that can be used in any skill domain and uses Gagne's conditions of learning as a model to suggest internal and external conditions of expertise. Differences between experts and novices are examined, including the amount of information they can bring to a new situation, the organization of that information, and…

Describes basic concepts in the field of general systems theory (GST) and identifies commonalities that exist between GST and instructional systems design (ISD). Models and diagrams that depict system elements in ISD are presented, and two matrices that show how GST has been used in ISD literature are included. (11 references) (LRW)

A brief overview of research into learning and instruction is followed by a list of nine principles of learning and their implications for instruction. Four divergent examples of "reconceptualized content" are then presented as models to illustrate how individual content elements of instruction belong in a whole system. (EAO)

Describes some of the basic concepts and terminology associated with second-generation instructional design (ID2), including knowledge acquisition and analysis, transaction analysis, and transaction authoring. An example is presented to illustrate how ID2 would apply in the development of a computer-based instructional program for learning how to…

Discusses the development of hypertext and describes hypertext systems currently available for microcomputers. The use of hypertext in instructional materials and in job aids is discussed, an example of a system designed for self-management tasks is given, and the need to focus on human performance improvement is emphasized. (14 references) (LRW)

Provides a summary of research on the benefits and uses of subject-matter-related humor in instructional materials, and cites comments of five experts on how to use humor in the design of instruction. Thirteen references are listed. (MER)

Social context, reinforcement patterns, and cue salience are examined in field dependent and field independent learners to provide an overview of learner analysis research dealing with cognitive styles. Instructional designers are asked to investigate equivalent alternate forms of instruction for these two polar groups. Nine references are listed.…

This discussion of formative evaluation as part of the instructional design process focuses on developmental testing and expert review. A review of the literature helps define each approach, research on formative evaluation is reviewed, and 37 references are provided. (LRW)

Analyzes the factors that contribute to the satisfaction of adult learners from an instructional design perspective. A general profile of the adult learner is provided, and the factors that enter into learner satisfaction--including learner involvement, learner challenge, self-direction, and rewards--are outlined. A 17-item reference list is…

Discusses the military's use of job aids to address the following problems: how to put more training into instructional programs without increasing course length; how to save training development time and money without sacrificing student achievement; how to reduce training products; and how to increase short- and long-term performance. (MBR)

Discussion of adult learning and education highlights three main issues: foundations, licensure (i.e., certification), and design. Topics discussed include educational theory related to adult learning; the need for additional research in the field of adult education; benefits of certification; instructional design; and the future of adult…

Examines the influences of behaviorist psychology on performance and instruction technologies. The basic assumptions of behaviorism are outlined, reinforcing contingencies are reviewed, conditioning is described, and such specific topics as stimulus control, behavior chaining, and successive approximation are discussed. (Author/JL)

Reviews current research on different learning styles and capabilities of experts and novices which may guide software design: memory, cognitive processing, and performance differences; automatization, and coping strategies. Procedures which may enhance expert and novice performance when built into software are outlined. (MBR)

Discusses health concerns associated with the use of video display terminals (VDT) and provides guidelines to enhance the performance of VDT users. Health issues addressed include radiation, musculoskeletal, psychological, and visual concerns. Guidelines for a well-designed VDT environment are also presented, including hardware considerations,…