The development of both the materials for an intermediate-level hybrid German writing course and the software in a virtual learning environment for the course may be viewed as activity systems. Viewing the individual components of each system as interrelated enables us to conceptualize the complexities of the development process, which goes well…

Distance education is institutional concept of education centered round self-directed learning by means of correspondence courses with an integrated element of communication technology and facilitated with tutorial sessions, seminars etc. to meet need for enlargement of teaching force, improved professional standards and modernization of teaching…

Discussion of formative evaluation focuses on the history of its use by behavioral psychologists, and refutes the notion that it is a new idea. Names that have been used for the evaluation process are reviewed, and examples of formative evaluation in a variety of settings are given. (11 references) (LRW)

Discusses the use of annotated examples by performance technologists as an instructional aid or as a performance aid to focus a learner's attention on the most important characteristics of a written product. Four annotated examples are presented and explained, and steps to create annotated example are described. (three references) (LRW)

Describes the basis for a simulation game classification based on the game image, which is created against a foundation of events that occur during the course of the game. Three characteristics of the game image--reflection of reality, dialog, and motivation--are defined, and game dialog types are discussed in detail. (MBR)

Examines the incorporation of formative evaluation into the early stages of educational television (ETV) program development, and describes Self-Formative Evaluation, a system conducted by the developers of ETV programs and in-house evaluators. Evaluation criteria for early formative evaluation of ETV are also presented. (20 references)…

Identifies stages in the process of educational software development: pre-specification stage in which educators identify the software's educational considerations; specification stage in which educators and programers work together to develop the program; documentation stage; field testing stage; and support stage. (MBR)

Describes a method for videodisc courseware development utilized by the University of Notre Dame Interactive Videodisc Laboratory staff, which includes production of a storyboard as the final component of the design phase. The three steps of group storyboarding, formative evaluation, and generation of production documents are discussed in detail.…

Web-based materials presented through course management software can become an integral part of the students' learning process. Online activities and content promote active, collaborative, and accessible learning. Faculty recognize these benefits, but often struggle with finding the time and effort to develop Web material. This article presents a…

Presents guidelines for using color effectively in instructional communication. Topics addressed include an explanation of color mixing; color schemes based on the color wheel; contrast; background, text, and highlights; consistency; symbolic associations; and color testing. (four references) (LRW)

Reviews relevant features for interactive video images of the four primary technologies that merge to intertwine themselves in interactive video (computers, television, instructional design, visual design); outlines critical structural elements of interactive video; and presents guidelines for creating interactive video images. (MBR)

Discusses two questions any language-teaching approach has to consider: (1) the component of a language on which to focus; and (2) how the linguistic material can be acquired more efficiently than in the past. Five principles for efficient acquisition of 5,000 vocabulary words are outlined, and the RALEX approach is explained. (SED)

Describes two stages of potential development that could make multimedia the core of an information infrastructure for educational reform: (1) incorporating hypermedia to enable knowledge construction by learners; and (2) using visualization and virtual communities to create artificial worlds. (16 references) (MES)

Discussion of instructional design in large organizations highlights a project management approach. Topics addressed include the role of the instructional designer; project team selection; role of the team members; role of the project manager; focusing on what employees need to know; types of project teams; and monitoring time and responsibility.…

Describes factors involved in designing print support materials for computer-based instruction (CBI) or independent learning. Basic principles of effective instructional design based on principles promoted by Gagne and Briggs are discussed, and a format for organizing a course manual that was developed at Grant MacEwan Community College (Alberta)…