This article focuses on the practical issues in implementing instructional approaches based on constructivist views of learning. The authors do not view this as a procedural guide, but rather believe that the design of these inquiry based learning (IBL) approaches must be guided by the view of learning represented in constructivist frameworks.…

Discusses theories of constructivism, educational technology, and instructional design that were raised in an earlier issue. Topics discussed include process versus content of learning; collaboration; prespecification of knowledge in building instruction; and the design of learning environments. Two examples contrasting objectivist and…

Describes a study at Florida State University that examined how Gagne's learning theory and events of instruction described and supported learning in the cooperative learning environment of a fourth grade classroom. Examples of instructional events and appropriate actions are given, and it is reported that Gagne's theories support cooperative…

Discusses the individualization of instruction as it relates to learner characteristics, instructional environment, instructional treatment, and their interaction. Practical considerations for learners, instructional treatments, and learning outcomes emanating from the literature on aptitude-treatment interaction are suggested. (RAO)

Reviews articles in this issue that deal with theories of constructivism from the point of view of an instructional designer. Highlights include technology and constructivism; generative learning environments; learning processes; assessment; learning strategies; knowledge domains; learner control; and suggestions for both constructivists and…

Discussion of three basic goals of education--retention, understanding, and active use of knowledge and skills--focuses on information processing technologies and educational practices surrounding the idea of constructivism. Highlights include the five facets of a learning environment and the relationship of constructivism and technology,…

Discusses the development and introduction of expert tutoring systems (ETS), or intelligent tutoring systems. Explains MONAP-PLUS, an example of an authoring tool for the design of an ETS that includes models of the subject domain, the learner, and the learning process; a user-friendly interface; and techniques for developing algorithmic…

Discusses the relationship of constructivism with instructional design theory. Topics discussed include instructional systems development; objectives; learning versus instruction; deep learning versus surface learning; situated learning versus formal instruction; adaptive learning; and the role of interactive educational technology in the design…

Offers a response to the previous article, discussing school reforms and restructuring; educational technology; hyperlearning; and future learning environments. (Contains five references.) (LRW)

Describes learning environments, including cognitive flexibility hypertexts, anchored instruction, and computer-supported intentional learning environments. A brief history of educational technology is presented; and problems with open learning environments are discussed, including inappropriate learning theory, deficient metacognitive skills, and…

Discusses roles that parents and teachers can perform to facilitate children's interactions with computers. Highlights include: (1) designing computer environments, including learner control, learning activities, and relating computer experiences to other learning processes; (2) adult interactions with children; and (3) observation and feedback…

Discusses the design of computer-based learning materials and computer-based learning environments. Topics addressed include learning strategies; the roles of the learner and the computer; appropriate information technology; the situated learning concept; learning environment metaphors; the use of microcomputers and hypermedia; and personal…

Examines three integrated-courseware systems for Web-based online courses and considers the integration of pedagogy in courseware authoring systems. Topics include knowledge; learning; motivation; and pedagogy based on effective use of electronic learning environments for the development of cognitive skills through access to information,…

Popular electronic tools for learning--tutorials, educational databases, learning nodes, simulations and educational games--are described, and their functions as part of the learning system are examined using Gagne's Events of Instruction model. Figures representing tutorial models are included. (Contains seven references.) (SLW)

Examines evaluation in a situated learning context. Topics discussed include a model for evaluation in a computer learning environment; portfolios, including written, electronic, and video formats; summary statistics; diagnosis; reflection and self-assessment; story construction or scenario design; learners as designers of instruction; and…