Discusses the change in learning materials to digital formats and considers whether current design and production methods for educational software are still appropriate or if there is a need for a new design and production strategy. Describes structural versus associative design strategies and a new three-space strategy. (LRW)

Describes the construction of a model of computer-assisted instruction using a qualitative block diagram based on general systems theory (GST) as a framework. Subject matter representation is discussed, and appendices include system variables and system equations of the GST model, as well as an example of developing flexible courseware. (Contains…

Discusses the nature of instructional design and describes rapid prototyping as a feasible model for instructional system design (ISD). The use of prototyping in software engineering is described, similarities between software design and instructional design are discussed, and an example is given which uses rapid prototyping in designing a…

This fourth and final article in a series about hypertext links and associated design guidelines focuses on learning support and program help links that support users' learning activities and help users understand the operational elements of the program itself. Examples are given from a HyperCard program called Desert Shield. (LRW)

Introduces and demonstrates a quick-prototyping model for educational software development that can be used by teachers developing their own courseware using an object-oriented programming system. Development of a courseware package called "The Match-Maker" is explained as an example that uses HyperCard for quick prototyping. (Contains…

Discusses technology-enhanced language learning (TELL) in the United Kingdom developed under the Teaching and Learning Technology Programme (TLTP) and the Computers in Teaching Initiatives (CTI) Centre for Modern Languages. The use of technology for computer-assisted language learning, the integration of technology, and courseware development are…

Presents research in physics education whose main aim is to design hypermedia software dedicated to science teaching on the basis of learning hypotheses related to the knowledge to be learned. Includes a theoretical framework; design principles; and an example of the application of the framework. (Author/LRW)

Describes ED's Oasis, a multifunction Web site funded by the AT&T Foundation, through the AT&T Learning Network program, and developed by a team of educators to help teachers use the Internet with their students. Examples are given of various possible uses, including designing interdisciplinary units. (LRW)

Presents a group of semiotic principles for software design and uses them to show how they explain different educational possibilities. Discusses interface design and describes Theater in the Computer, a software environment for children, to illustrate semiotic-based principle of interface design. (Author/LRW)

Defines prototyping as an original version or model on which a completed software system for computer-based training is formed; examines the development process of a prototype; describes how prototyping can assist in facilitating communication between educational technology, software engineering, and project management; and discusses why…

This article examines the use of the Voyager Compact Disk (CD) AudioStack to provide HyperCard stacks designed to promote language learning with the ability to play on common precisely specified portions of off-the-shelf audio compact disks in a CD-ROM drive. Four German and Russian HyperCard stacks are described and their construction outlined.…

Some studies of hypertext/hypermedia systems have concluded that there is little evidence supporting its educational efficacy. After examining conceptual and methodological shortcomings of research, this article suggests that the educational potential of hypertext/hypermedia has been underestimated and argues that overcoming these shortcomings…

Discusses how to design courseware programs that integrate benefits of instructionism (linear instruction) and constructionism in a hypermedia structure. A model of feedback that fades in and out is suggested, four examples are explained, and suggestions for redesigning programs are given. (LRW)

Discusses the place of GTE (Generic Tutoring Environment) as an approach to bridging the gap between computer-assisted learning and intelligent tutoring systems; describes DCG (dynamic courseware generation) which allows dynamic planning of the contents of an instructional course; and considers combining GTE with DCG. (Author/LRW)

This paper describes a multimedia authoring system called MOPed-II. Like other authoring systems, MOPed-II reduces the time and expense of producing end-user applications by eliminating much of the programming effort they require. However, MOPed-II reflects an approach to authoring tools for educational multimedia which is different from most…