This article provides the rationales for three recommendations for the future of Instructional Technology: (1) instructional technology as a field seems to have reached a tipping point, where the basic approach to instructional design has stabilized to where further research at this level has waned, suggesting that it is time for instructional…

From a review of instructional design theories, research, and practice, the author has derived his "First Principles of Instruction". In this article, he suggests a rubric for using these principles to evaluate existing instruction. The article presents a Course Evaluation form and accompanying demonstration and application rubrics that enable the…

Identifies some of the assumptions underlying the technology of instructional design and clarifies its role in the larger context of education and social change. Discusses instructional design, learner characteristics, individual learning, knowledge and skill acquisition, and instructional principles. (AEF)

This instructional design looks at momentum in physics through railroading, to assist students in developing appropriate mental models that will enable them to solve problems relevant to the process or principle being taught. A PEAnet (process, entity, activity network) relationship enables an instructional visualization (simulation) in which…

Discusses the theories of instructional design methodologies and describes limitations for developing instruction for interactive, technology-based delivery systems. Topics discussed include content analysis; knowledge acquisition; course organization; phases of instructional development; passive versus interactive instruction; productivity and…

Discusses the need for improved methodologies and tools to guide the design and development of interactive technology-based instructional materials. Topics discussed include mental models; knowledge representation; knowledge analysis and acquisition systems; the effectiveness of instructional transactions; strategy analysis systems for…

Instructional Transaction Theory specifies a set of rules for automated instructional design and development. Components include descriptive theories of knowledge and of strategy, and a prescriptive theory of instructional design. Rules include selecting and sequencing knowledge objects, selecting and sequencing instructional transactions,…

Describes three classes of variables which should be considered when one is designing instructional materials, doing research on instruction, or developing better methods of instruction, and proposes a classification scheme which is summarized in the last of the 13 figures that illustrate the article. A blbliography is included. (Author/RAO)

Describes instructional transactions as patterns of learner interactions designed to enable learners to acquire certain kinds of knowledge or skill and identifies four primary components of an interaction shell: interactions and an interaction manager, instructional parameters, a knowledge base, and a resource database. Transaction shell authoring…

Discussion of intelligent tutoring systems highlights various instructional models which emphasize experiential interactions. Topics discussed include computer assisted instruction; instructional strategies; the TICCIT system; branching; the Socratic method; definitions of tutoring and instruction; students' interactions with the computer; advisor…