Education cannot adopt the linear model of scaling used by the medical sciences. "Gold standards" cannot be replicated without considering process-in-learning, diversity, and student-variedness in classrooms. This article proposes a nuanced model of educational scaling-and-diffusion, describing the scaling (top-down supports) and…

Psychological testing can serve as a prototype on which to base a data-generated approach to instructional design. In "testing batteries" tests are used to predict achievement. In the proposed approach batteries of prescriptions would be used to produce achievement. In creating "test batteries" tests are selected for their…

Hype surrounding the promise that technology has for education began with Thomas Edison in 1913, when he predicted that the motion picture would end the need for textbooks and revolutionize schools. Years later a phase of development was fueled by government funding, and the educational film industry reached a heyday following World War II, which…

This article takes a contrarian position: an "instructional design" or "teacher training" model, because of the sheer number of its interconnected parameters, is too complex to assess or to compare with other models. Models may not be the way to go just yet. This article recommends instead prior experimental research on limited…

Despite the fact that the practice of instructional design (ID) began in the U. S. military (Branson et al., 1975; Jeffrey & Bratton-Jeffrey, 2004; Reiser, 2102), there is little known regarding which design and development heuristics military instructional designers deem important to the ID process. The study reported in this article was…

The rapid development of emerging technologies has resulted in the availability of a number of information and communication technologies (ICT) tools. Teachers must have the competency to choose and integrate proper tools into teaching and learning. Over the years, a number of conceptual models have been developed to guide the process of ICT…

Discusses four models of needs analysis: Kaufman's "Needs Assessment," Coffing's "Client Need Assessment," Lee's "Needs-Assessment," and Harless'"Front-End Analysis." A matrix comparing these models is included. (RAO)

Presents a matrix of skills necessary for multimedia development. Skills are identified in business, artistic, and technical areas. These skills are then applied to the following reasons for multimedia use: to condense time and material; to effect rapid skills transfer; and to manage feedback and evaluation. (MES)

Effective display of organized content is demonstrated through the Organized Content Technique (OCT), which synthesizes, collates, and organizes information into a sound conceptual configuration, including layout, display, typography, descriptors, and style. The result is a content page that has entity and unity and is pleasing and effective with…

Presents a model outlining three procedural steps to be followed in the revision of refinement of existing instruction consisting of component, congruence, and continuity analysis. Basic instructional components are defined and Merrill and Wood's Instructional Strategy Diagnostic Profile (ISDP) is presented as an instrument for determining…

Describes a systematic model for determining equipment replacement budgets that can be adopted and used in any media center. This model uses a microcomputer spreadsheet program to provide figures for annual equipment replacement automatically. The design and benefits of the system are discussed. (MBR)

Discussion of learning how to solve problems focuses on instructional design models and how students construct their knowledge and learn skills. Topics discussed include conceptual knowledge; procedural knowledge and skills; knowledge representation; causal knowledge; types of knowledge and relevant skills; knowledge acquisition; prediction and…

Presents a comparative analysis of Kaufman's and Nadler's work design models by examining each model's rational content and comparing the distinctive images of procedure that those contents project. Kaufman's insistent claim that his organizational elements model merits distinctive recognition as the definitive explication of the system approach…

Proposes a cognitive-based model for instructional design that addresses the acquisition and employment of knowledge, the interaction of content knowledge and cognitive strategies for higher order thinking skills, and the affective domain. Educational learning theory is discussed, including working memory, long-term memory, and cognitive skills.…

Describes the evaluation of a new model for software evaluation that emphasizes the collection of student performance data to determine the extent to which students learn the knowledge a software package intends to teach. Discussion covers the results of two studies, evaluation criteria and methods, evaluator subjectivity in decision making,…