Three alternatives to instructional development are briefly described: shifting more instructional responsibility from developer to learner; implementing an instructional system utilizing paraprofessionals, content experts, and peers; and selecting and adapting existing instructional materials. (MBR)

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)

The collaborative consultancy role proposed for the educational technologist requires moving beyond the linear model of the systematic approach. Instructional developers need to operate on the conceptual level, to see themselves as problem solvers within a dynamic system in which there are no straight paths, but instead, many paths and many…

Raises critical management issues and proposes guidelines for technical management of large-scale development of courseware with complex content. Discussion covers the technical management of such a project as it relates to organizational structure; leadership shifts throughout the design process; prototype development; and the systematic process…

This chapter examines the roles of the instructional developer and the media production specialist in the development of instructional projects in the context of a six step development process. These steps include pre-assessment, establishing goals, identifying and specifying objectives, designing strategies, selecting and/or producing resources,…

Examines characteristics of the successful computer assisted instruction (CAI) author, including knowledge required and time for planning, developing, and testing. Obstacles to successful teacher-author are described, including need for extensive training and uninterrupted free time. An alternative approach of teamwork between computer…

Because secondary school faculties are more diverse and specialized than elementary, a team approach to instructional leadership at the secondary level is recommended, and a four-step process is presented for incorporating such an approach: diagnosis, allocation, implementation, and evaluation. (TE)

Media specialists concerned about students' academic achievement can work with teachers to extend the scope of classroom activities through instructional development, and institute professional improvement programs when training and knowledge are lacking. Studies show significant gains in achievement test scores are attributable to presence and…

Suggests individual educational technologists have developed a variety of work styles including those characterized as: knowledge expert, executive manager, social-analyst, and specialist. These styles of working, based upon work behaviors of educational technologists at Great Britain's Open University, are compared in terms of practices, focuses,…

In the early days of online courses, a widespread production model was to provide faculty members with release time and/or stipends in return for developing and delivering their own courses. These early online courses were developed by a cadre of faculty "zealots" who believed that information technology could transform learning. Such faculty…

Argues for the development of group intervention techniques to improve the efficacy of course teams in the preparation of distance education materials, reviews recent commentaries on course teams and discusses related issues, and conludes with recommendations to enrich the quality of course team life and output. (Author/EAO)

Faculty recalcitrance is seen as a barrier to college use of instructional technology, since faculty are often locked into their own instructional systems. Course development, investment returns, faculty conservatism and the research university, and policies and practices to facilitate the use of instructional technology are discussed. (MLW)

Describes the creation of a series of interactive video modules on dental hygiene at Luzerne County Community College. These modules are intended to supplement instruction in a community dentistry and health education course and to guide students in an assignment to develop and implement dental health projects in their community. (MBR)