New approaches to emergent learner-directed learning design can be strengthened with a theoretical framework that considers learning as a dynamic process. We propose an approach that models a learning process using a set of spatial concepts: learning space, position of a learner, niche, perspective, step, path, direction of a step and step…

Recent developments and new directions in education have emphasised learners' needs, profile and pedagogical aspects by focusing on learner-centered approaches in educational settings. e-Learning, on the other hand, guarantees learners the opportunity of learning in their own way, and leads to new considerations in course design. e-Learning is…

The success of Web 2.0 inspires e-learning to evolve into e-learning 2.0, which exploits collective intelligence to achieve user-centric learning. However, searching for suitable learning paths and content for achieving a learning goal is time consuming and troublesome on e-learning 2.0 platforms. Therefore, introducing formal learning in these…

Adaptive LMS have not yet reached the eLearning marketplace due to methodological, technological and management open issues. At aDeNu group, we have been working on two key challenges for the last five years in related research projects. Firstly, develop the general framework and a running architecture to support the adaptive life cycle (i.e.,…

Discusses the structure of intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs) and describes the development of a new structure for ITSs that is not domain dependent and is more readily adaptable by individual teachers. Pedagogical rules that help decide how much student control versus how much teacher control is present in the system are discussed. (14…

Reviews the evolution of instructional systems design and computer-based learning environments, focusing on the effects of technological advances. Classification of learning environments is discussed in the context of the dimensions of scope (macrolevel or microlevel), user activity (generative or mathemagenic), educational activity (goal-directed…

Discussion of the use of intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs) highlights the role of the teacher. Experiences at Gallaudet University with the Geometry Proof Tutor (GPT) are related, future expectations for ITSs are suggested, and an ideal intelligent instructional system is proposed that considers the social nature of education. (13 references)…

When students feel that their learning needs are not being met by computer-aided instruction, learning becomes passive, often resulting in boredom, frustration or a dislike for learning with computers. "Button Theory" allows the student to express his feelings and questions to the computer at the touch of a button, thus enhancing control over the…

Due to a rapidly increasing demand for bibliographic instruction, Southwestern College in San Ysidro, California, devised an interactive English-Spanish multimedia library skills program using Macintosh and Kodak PhotoCD technologies. First, a PhotoCD containing 100 photos of library services was produced. Then, an interactive Macintosh program…

Discusses the design of an innovative learning system that uses new technologies for the man-machine interface, incorporating a combination of Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) and Text To Speech (TTS) synthesis. Highlights include using speech technologies to mimic the attributes of the ideal tutor and design features. (AEF)

This paper deals with the design of an integrated system for Web-based distance education (ISWBDE). At the highest level, this system can be dissected into two sub-systems: an integrated course authoring system (ICAS) and an integrated course delivery system (ICDS). The ICAS is designed to help with, or automate the creation and management of…

Describes the Drexel Hypermedia Demo, a hypermedia system that was developed to facilitate undergraduate and graduate instruction about hypermedia. Topics discussed include media advocacy; interactivity in educational media; navigation in hyperspace; learner control; and design principles and evaluation of the Drexel Hypermedia Demo, including…

Focuses on instructional and learning systems in distance education. Highlights include: learner-centeredness of distance education; instructor's role; relevant content to individual needs; balancing roles of instructors and learners; personalizing instruction; ramifications for instructional and learning system design; and architecture of dynamic…

Computer assisted language learning (CALL) packages offer the majority of students who are learning English as a foreign language the opportunity for individual instruction. To meet the needs of an individual student, an adaptive CALL environment must have a dynamic model of student performance, a means of varying the difficulty of the learning…

The quality of multimedia-based interaction is more the product of the way instruction is designed, and less the result of the system on which it is delivered. To fully exploit the capabilities of more powerful instructional technologies, designers must also reexamine the assumptions and expand the strategies employed in instructional design.…