This article describes instructional theory that supports post-industrial education and training systems--ones that are customized and learner-centered, in which student progress is based on learning rather than time. The author discusses the importance of problem-based instruction (PBI), identifies some problems with PBI, overviews an…

A video mock-up is a "design story", described by Patrick Parrish in a recent "TechTrends" article as "imagining the journey of a learner's experience in engaging with a finished design". A design story allows designers to show their design vision to others and to observe features and benefits of the program as a learner would experience it. The…

Technical education programs can be made more meaningful with a systems approach to planning, such as the method employed by a postsecondary educator in Texas. (Author/JH)

After a brief review of integrative small group learning models that have appeared in the educational psychology literature, this article then looks into the group dynamics literature and describes one of that field's most well-documented findings: that interactions among group members change somewhat predictably over time. How theorists from…

The U-SAIL system is a practical approach to individualization of instruction in which a problem-solving process is employed to install a program in logical sequential phases. U-SAIL is a nationally validated, successfully replicated, cost-feasible system for individualization of instruction which can be implemented in a variety of settings with…

Recommends delivery modes that use mediated instructional systems as a means of attaining desired levels of student achievement. Cites College of San Mateo's use of instructional technologies to achieve cost savings, multiply program availability, and alleviate unemployment, underemployment, and a trained employee shortage. (DMM)

Analyzes the relationship of Saddleback Community College's structure to functions and outcomes in the context of current changes in structure at the state level. (KEH)

Functional requirements for a highly automated, flexible, instructional support system for aircrew training simulators are presented. Automated support modes and associated features and capabilities are described, along with hardware and software functional requirements for implementing a baseline system in an operational flight training context.…

Analyzes the structure of a communications department at a rural comprehensive community college by focusing on the grouping of components as well as their place in the status framework. Discusses the behavior of the system as a consequence of the structure as well as its evolution. (KEH)

This paper is the second in a three-part series on SYS IV, an instructional management system developed by the PLATO Curriculum Project (PCP) that incorporates some of the features of the previous SYS systems. Focus is primarily on the new features that make the system unique. Following a brief background section explaining the purpose of SYS IV,…

The total system capability, including all the special purpose and general purpose hardware comprising the Airborne Electro-Optical Sensor Simulation (AEOSS) System, is described. The functional relationship between hardware portions is described together with interface to the software portion of the computer image generation. Supporting rationale…

Describes an instruction system intended to assist students in improving their academic performance. Methods increase awareness of characteristics possessed by academically successful and unsuccessful students, as well as provide effective study skills information. Background, development, and use of the system are described. (RC)

Eleven common characteristics of instructional program systems have been identified: outcomes, instruction, quality verificiation, monitoring, personnel, data, interfaces, procurement, information, continuity, and costs. The requirements, specifications, and procedures of these must all be made explicit for each system. Although the eleven system…

This summary of the first study of student performance in the on-going CAI theory program at Stanford describes the principal features of drill and practice CAI lessons, the resistance to CAI by music faculty, and the objectives of the project--to find the statistical correlations between student performance in the CAI ear training program and…

This report details the design, development, and implementation of computer software to support the cost-effective production of computer assisted instruction (CAI) within the context of the Advanced Instructional System (AIS) located at Lowry Air Force Base. The report supplements the computer managed Air Force technical training that is…