This commentary on the special issue, entitled "Models and Tools for Systems Learning and Instruction," highlights the accomplishments of the papers in this collection. It also points to some avenues for further strengthening research on promoting systems understanding. Collectively, the papers make advances in our understanding of how…

Not until the core concepts of biology are clearly defined and become the focus of instruction and assessment can we expect meaningful improvements in biological literacy and the removal of unnecessary barriers to student engagement.

Reviews research and theories in the area of motivation, and develops a model for a systematic approach to designing motivating instruction. (Author/JEG)

Explains postmodernism and discusses the role of postmodernism as it relates to educational technology and various paradigms for educational technology. Highlights include the systems approach to instructional design and the relationship between the psychological paradigm of constructivism and the aesthetic paradigm of poststructuralism. (15…

A model for the design and delivery of distance instruction is based on a systematic approach to distance learning that considers all stakeholders and is student centered. (SK)

Argues for more emphasis on the fabric which holds curriculum detail together and describes those conceptual tools which may help in redirecting thinking toward holistic approaches to instruction and teaching. Linkages between educational technology and learning theory help guide this quest. (Author/RAO)

Describes ways that components of Information Engineering (IE) methodology can be used by training system developers to extend Instructional Systems Development (ISD) methodology. Aspects of IE that are useful in ISD are described, including requirements determination, group facilitation, integrated automated tool support, and prototyping.…

This research assumes that systematic and systemic change are two components in instructional design (ID)--not dichotomous terms, but two sides of an interconnected dual structured system. Specifically, this paper examines the difference between systemic thinking and systematic thinking, the ideal mental model (dual structured systems) for ID, and…

Encourages teachers and trainers to investigate instructional design alternatives in order to find approaches that fit varied student learning needs and constraints. The Instructional Design Library, a series of 40 guides to different types of designs, is recommended as one avenue for exploring a systematic approach to instruction. (MER)

Discusses modern educational technology, including postmodernism; deconstruction; the Shannon-Weaver Model for telecommunication apparatus and the epistemology of educational technology; the systems approach; and possible demands of postmodern educational technology, including technoscience, instructional design issues, and cultural aspects.…

This paper proposes a theoretical foundation for the field of educational technology based on cognitive learning theory. This proposition is based on consideration of issues which suggest that psychological theory is more central to educational technology than systems theory or theories of management, and that cognitive theories are more…

Argues that instructional development (ID) faculty in higher education settings should use a systematic approach grounded in ID principles to present the case for filling vacant positions in their field and provides guidelines for using message design techniques to develop a file to support the case. Eight references are listed. (MER)

Examines the emergence of "third wave" school restructuring from the fields of educational technology, instructional design, and systems theory. Argues that its core principles--social functionalism, efficiency and productivity, individualism, and expertism--will likely reinforce existing practices instead of substantively transforming…

Introduces this special issue by discussing the nature of educational technology and its development in the antipodes as presented in the eight papers which follow. Topics focus on the understanding of educational technology as a systematic process--a problem-oriented approach to the design, implementation, and evaluation of educational…

Discusses the need to have a clear understanding of the environment into which learning materials and resources are introduced. Topics discussed include the instructional design process, front end analysis, systems inquiry and design inquiry, the learner's role and the teacher's role, and the physical environment. (29 references) (LRW)