This writing looks at an elemental aspect of learning and communication, the question, and contends that questions can be viewed as a technology for education. Questions that we ask in the classroom, online, or in discussion can shape learning and develop skills in students, and they should be more systematically employed in education. This…

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…

The availability of technological tools is promoting a shift toward more student-centered online instruction. This article describes the implementation of a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model and the technological tools used to meet the expectations of the model as well as the needs of the students. The end product is a hybrid course with eight…

Stavros Demetriadis is currently an Assistant Professor with the Department of Informatics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) in Greece. He also earned his Bachelor's degree in Physics and a Master Diploma in Electronic Physics from AUTh. He became interested in information and communications technologies when he was a high school…

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…

Expands on constructivist theories that were discussed in an earlier issue. Highlights include cognitive flexible theory; multiple knowledge representations; prespecification of knowledge; teaching content versus skill; and cognitive flexibility hypertexts (CFHs), including the kinds of knowledge domains for which they should be used and the…

Defines cognitive computer tools as software programs that use the control capabilities of computers to amplify, extend, or enhance human cognition; suggests seven ways in which computers can aid learning; and describes the "Learning Tool," a software package for the Apple Macintosh microcomputer that is designed to aid learning of…

Discusses job aids as a method to improve human performance by replacing the requirement for a specific skill or knowledge. Types of job aids are described, the role of job aids in training is explained, job aid design is examined, and benefits of job aids are discussed. (10 references) (LRW)

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…

Proposes an instructional design model which bridges the gap between the cognitive psychology and instructional design field. The model predicts when learning of task components will occur and suggests which components of a task should receive training. The proposed decomposition model guides task analysis when designing instruction of…

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)

Defines the components of self-regulation ability--learners' ability to participate actively in their learning: as strategic knowledge, self-efficacy, ownership, mastery orientation, and self-reflection. Presents guidelines for promoting self-regulation ability through instructional design that incorporates these components. (AEF)

Discusses fluency-based instruction based on Skinner's research on response rate measures and Precision Teaching. Topics addressed include learning outcomes associated with fluency; fluency and overlearning; implications for instructional design; examples of fluency-based education and training; and strategies for marketing fluency-based…

Discussion of the use of interactive video (IV) as an instructional medium focuses on its uses in the teaching of professional interpersonal skills. Topics discussed include the use of IV for tutorials and simulations; learning theories; a model of skill acquisition; hypothesis testing; and nine principles for interactive video designs. (33…

Presents a rationale for future research relating to educational computing, discusses beneficial studies that have been undertaken, and outlines specific areas where further research is needed, including studies on achievement, retention, and transfer measurement; material characteristics which enhance achievement; implementation variables,…