Educational multimedia has proven to be an effective and efficient way of learning. Designers strive to produce multimedia that convey concepts most efficiently. That is to design multimedia that imposes the least possible cognitive load on the learner. Mayer's multimedia design principles are well-known, and multiple pieces of research have…

The notion of design thinking is becoming more concrete nowadays, as design researchers and practitioners study the thinking processes involved in design and employ the concept of design thinking to foster better solutions to complex and ill-defined problems. The goal of the present research is to develop a cognitive activity-based design…

Knowledge application and transfer is one of the ultimate learning goals in education. For adult learners, these abilities are not only beneficial but also critical. The ability to apply knowledge learned from school is only a basic requirement in workplaces. In this ever-changing world, the ability to near and far transfer knowledge is the skill…

This article presents a review of existent literature that provides insight in the effectiveness of computer learning games. Based on this research, the effectiveness of games is illustrated in detail with regard to three current perspectives on games: design characteristics of games, the process of gameplay and the reflection of specific…

A WebQuest is an inquiry-based online learning technique. This technique has been widely adopted in K-16 education. Therefore, it is important that conditions of effective WebQuest design are defined. Through this article the author presents techniques for improving WebQuest design based on current research. More specifically, the author analyzes…

This article reports on an exploratory study aimed to identify which ways of marking required and optional fields help older people fill in web forms correctly. Drawing on a pilot study and selective attention research in ageing, modified versions of widely used forms were created, in which standard asterisks were replaced with one of three…

Animated models explicate the procedure to solve a problem, as well as the rationale behind this procedure. For abstract cognitive processes, animations might be beneficial, especially when a supportive pedagogical agent provides explanations. This article argues that animated models can be an effective instructional method, provided that they are…

Discusses the use of expert systems for the development of instructional design and recommends instead the cognitive approach of an instructional design workbench. Distinctions between expert systems and advisory systems are examined, the problem-solving process of instructional design is described, and design requirements for an instructional…

Discusses cognition and distance learning, reviews recent research on instruction to help designers create courses that transform passive students into autonomous learners, and describes the scaffold knowledge integration framework and uses it to interpret current approaches to distance learning. (110 references) (Author/LRW)

This summary of issues addressed at the conference identifies 10 important themes: (1) the nature of interactivity, and whether linear presentations are obsolete; (2) what can be done with all the imagery made possible with videodisks and the sounds enabled by compact disks, and whether any of this is really new; (3) whether emotional…

Discusses telecommunications-supported cooperative learning environments for distance education. Topics addressed include computer-mediated communication; computer-supported cooperative work; distributed learning environments; frameworks for supporting telecooperation, including cognitive processes, social processes, and managerial processes; and…

Static, animated, and interactive visualizations are frequently used in electronic learning environments. In this article, we provide a brief review of research on visuospatial cognition relevant to designing e-learning tools that use these displays. In the first section, we discuss the possible cognitive benefits of visualizations consider used…

Description of several computerized tutoring systems is organized around types of knowledge any tutor must possess--subject area, student's information, and how to teach and communicate. Data and control structures of Meno-tutor are described to illustrate use of artificial intelligence to model the student, a domain, and teaching strategies. (MBR)

Discusses cognitive processes readers engage in when comprehending instructional text and identifies familiar devices utilized by authors of instructional materials to support each of these processes. Included are appropriate vocabulary and sentence syntax use for intended audience; listing instructional objectives; and use of hierarchical…

Discusses the concept and design of an enriched learning and information environment that was originally developed at Indiana University in partnership with AT&T (American Telephone and Telegraph). Topics addressed include constructivism, cognitive tools, representing expert behavior, apprenticeship, technological tools, information tools,…