Educational reform efforts have failed to create widespread improvement. The authors argue that rather than trying to improve the existing system of education, a new learner-centered paradigm is needed that supports individualized learning. Such a significantly different system of education will require the systemic application of technology to…

Student achievement does not depend solely on teacher competence. Students' own behavior, their motivation to achieve, and their attitudes toward others around them all contribute. These variables create conditions--an environment--that either favors or disfavors achievement. They can dictate the amount of time a teacher has to devote to…

The author traces the growth of K-12 online learning in the United States from its modest genesis in the mid-1990s with 50,000 students to the more than 4 million enrollments today, the fastest scaling ever of any innovation in K-12 education. The evolution from one-size-fits-all online courses to innovative, blended instructional models that are…

Providing a research-validated, evidence-based framework for designing effective distance learning experiences and environments is a current challenge to those interested in using this technology effectively with adolescents. This article offers the Learner-Centered Psychological Principles (LCPs) developed and disseminated by the American…

Discusses impact of the introduction of educational innovation on Latin American culture, highlighting technology and culture, the industrial model in education, the situation of the teacher within the technological model, and an educational technology for Latin America. Seventeen references are cited. (EJS)

Examines common curricular needs in written language instruction, and the advantages of using micorocmputers to teach descriptive writing. An example of an interactive computer-assisted instructional model for writing is discussed. Fourteen references are listed. (MER)

Advocates a systems approach to designing educational systems in a changing world. The intellectual technology of systems design is outlined; and a design architecture is described that addresses definition of the new system, system specifications, key functions, organizational issues, and the systemic environment. Organizing perspectives for…

Examines the problems encountered in engaging teachers in the specification and selection of media options in the instructional design process. Present inadequacy is traced to: (1) specific theoretical deficiencies in available models, (2) the evolutionary state of research, and (3) the reluctance of teachers to commit themselves in this area.…

The Ralls Independent School District (Texas) implemented a technology staff development program ("Training-on-Demand") designed to provide ample and effective training in technology. Describes the staff development model's three component approach: whole-group instruction, written procedures, and one-on-one or small-group sessions;…

Discusses informatics policy in Brazilian public schools. Topics addressed include technological dependency; a national informatics policy for education; programed instruction versus discovery learning; the use of LOGO; and the need to change the model of education to create learning environments. (Contains 10 references.) (LRW)

Reviews the framework developed by the Expert Panel on Educational Technology, considers the tradeoffs of its broad-based approach, and presents an alternative model for assessing educational technology programs. Discusses what can be expected from educational technology programs; how educational change occurs; barriers to effective technology…

Discusses educational policy options regarding telecommunications. The concept of interconnectivity in society and in the educational system is examined; and four scenarios for telecommunications policy in schools are presented that focus on differences in the initiative taken by teachers and policymakers. (27 references) (LRW)

Offers guidelines for selecting community members for systemic restructuring efforts in public schools. Definitions of community and of systemic restructuring, or educational systems design, are presented; the importance of selection efforts is discussed; a community selection model is described and explained; and further research is suggested.…

Describes a model for identifying factors affecting teachers' use of instructional media and suggests methods to increase teachers' expertise with instructional media. The instructional performance engineering model is explained, teacher inservice training related to the Concerns-Based Adoption Model is discussed, and an Instructional Media…

Describes on-the-job training models developed by the Pilot Mini District of the Cincinnati Public Schools for integrating computer technology into classroom instruction: (1) Shadowing; (2) One-on-One for One; (3) Rotating Topics; (4) Walk-in Clinics; and (5) Student Exchanges. (AEF)