What makes games effective for learning? The authors argue that games provide vicarious experiences for players, which then amplify the effects of future, formal learning. However, not every game succeeds in doing so! Understanding why some games succeed and others fail at this task means investigating both a given game's design and the…

Explores why "learning" and "object" have been combined in the field of instructional technology. Examines why current definitions of these terms are lacking when looked at from a standards and interoperability point of view. Suggests a new definition with a rationale to satisfy needs of technologists for precise, practical…

Describes some of the many conceptions of learning that have guided the field of instructional design in two main periods: one focusing on learning from an objectivist perspective, which lasted most of the 20th century, and one focusing on learning from cognitive and social constructivist perspectives, which has dominated the past decade. (AEF)

Discusses whether educational technology has kept pace with recent developments in the related fields of psychology and communication science. Addressed are several areas in cognitive psychology: the process of selective perception, semantic encoding, the effects of previous learning, and the influence of metacognitlon. (RAO)

Argues for more emphasis on the fabric which holds curriculum detail together and describes those conceptual tools which may help in redirecting thinking toward holistic approaches to instruction and teaching. Linkages between educational technology and learning theory help guide this quest. (Author/RAO)

Elaborates on the nature of the new paradigm of instructional theories (May-June 1996 issue) by summarizing 21 theories that are described in "Instructional-Design Theories and Models: A New Paradigm of Instructional Theory." Divides theories into seven broad categories: understanding, problem-based learning, community of learners,…

Reviews intelligent tutoring systems and introduces social theory as an alternative to individual learning theory that has served as a basis for intelligent tutoring system development. Discusses social processes and learning, collaborative learning and intelligent tutoring systems, and the need for a revised architecture for intelligent tutoring…

Verbal information contained in a multimedia presentation should be seen in a holistic sense. A close interrelationship exists between audio and visual; they express information for a common purpose. The task of the designer is to interweave them meaningfully. (MBR)

Considers the implications that broadening the definition of learning would have for educators and educational technologists. This special issues addresses the task of redefining learning from a variety of perspectives. The authors draw on different frameworks of analysis, exploring what it means to be learning at levels ranging from the…

Examines the role of goals in the learning process and reviews another theoretical perspective, experienced cognition as additional justification for the constructivist revolution affecting the field of instructional design. Addresses the implications of experienced cognition for dealing with learning goals and learning environments. (Contains 32…

Suggests use of instructional theory to generate criteria for evaluating microcomputer courseware and describes one approach to its use. This approach identifies skills that the three courseware types--drill and practice, tutorial, and simulation--can teach, and then selects the instructional theory that most specifically addresses the identified…

Author advocates greater use of television and other media within validated educational technology systems called open learning systems.'' (Author/HB)

Edgar Dale's (1946) Cone of Experience model-and various adaptations-have been used by practitioners for decades. However, little has been accomplished by way of examining and refining the model (and its associated theories). This article suggests several philosophical perspectives by which gaps in the prevalent version of Dale's Cone could be…

Presents an instructional design model for software that was developed to increase the effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction in the classroom. The importance of basing the design of instructional materials on valid learning theories is discussed, and efforts to increase the effectiveness of instructional software are described. (39…