Discusses and defines hypermedia, examines essential design considerations and features in the development of hypermedia courseware, and discusses its theoretical foundations. Cites an instructional problem in a guidance and counseling program and suggests that a well-designed hypermedia package might provide an answer. (Author/AEF)

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)…

Discussion of instructional design in distance education focuses on a collaborative process of preparing course materials for a distance education course on curriculum at Queensland University (Australia). The viewpoints of the instructional designer and the teacher are examined throughout the course development process. (Contains 31 references.)…

Provides a rough classification of three basic design aspects of audiocassette production in a distance education framework: dramaturgical design; didactic functions or teaching objectives; and reciprocal relations to other media and students' activities. It is concluded that audiocassettes can be very effective and powerful when developed to…

Discussion of professional development among academic staff focuses on a collaborative project between a lecturer and a subject specialist to develop learning materials for a new distance education course at the University of Queensland. Highlights include existing models of professional development; the needs-based component; and the action…

Describes a range of computer-assisted applications for the distance education system at the Fernuniversitat in Hagen, Federal Republic of Germany, which include distance teaching organization, counseling, text-processing for study materials, test and assignment scoring, course evaluation, and telecommunication and computer access with videotex.…

Discusses procedures for the analysis of instructional strategies incorporated into distance learning materials, especially with regard to the development of higher order cognitive ability (i.e., critical thinking). Three approaches to task analysis are examined, including the learning hierarchy model, the concept hierarchy, and the information…

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)