Critical thinking, viewed as rational and analytic thinking, is crucial for participation in a knowledge economy and society. This article provides a brief presentation of the importance of teaching critical thinking in a knowledge economy; suggests a conceptual model for teaching thinking; examines research on the historical role of teachers in…

Discusses the role of educational technology consultants who may be classroom teachers with no formal training in consulting. Consulting models are described, including content-oriented and process-oriented approaches; Schein's process facilitator model is examined; and Kurpius' consulting model is explained and expanded. (LRW)

Discusses personality and attitudinal attributes that are significantly related to teachers' positive computer-oriented attitudes. The role of teachers in computer-assisted instruction is considered, use of the Eysenck personality model is described, and a tentative personality model of a typical teacher who is more positive toward computer usage…

Focuses on the use of personnel to supervise, instruct, or assist training in a military environment and offers a model to assess the use of instructional personnel for self-paced courses. Some implications for nonmilitary education and training are indicated. (Author/MER)

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.…

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)

Describes an instructional systems design model for use in a college physical education program that is based on Keller's Personalized System of Instruction (PSI). Implementation in an introductory volleyball course is described; and four defining characteristics are discussed, including self-pacing, mastery-based learning, teacher as motivator,…

Discusses changes in models of education and teaching that affect the roles of educational technologists. A review of schooling models of the past, present, and future emphasizes a shift from traditional teacher and student roles to more democratic, individualized instruction; and McBeath's transformational model for change is considered. (15…

Discusses the implementation of computer conferencing (CC) as a learning environment to supplement classroom instruction at the postsecondary level. The teacher's role, student characteristics, group dynamics, benefits and limitations, and orientation and training in computer conferencing technology are highlighted. A figure illustrates the…

Explains goal-based scenario (GBS) learning environments. Topics discussed include defining educational requirements; characteristics of a GBS, including hardware and software; an example of a GBS currently in operation to teach client consulting skills, including user reactions; assessing learning; the use of simulation; and the roles of the…

Discusses pertinent issues relating to implementing online learning models in a higher education context. These issues include the changing roles of staff and students as they adopt new learning approaches; the notions of flexible learning and delivery; and the quality of education provided. (AEF)

Presents a new image of education, called Learning Sphere 2000, which is emerging from the educational needs of an information society. Features of this paradigm are explained, including learning experiences, teacher roles, clusters of students and teachers as schools, learning centers, learning contracts, developmental levels, children with…

Discusses ways to teach learning systems design. Elements in the design process are considered, including learning in context, modeling of expert thought processes, and reflection; the use of roleplays, simulations, and case studies is explored; and development and testing of a prototype application consisting of videotaped interviews with an…

Examines factors that affect the successful implementation of integrated learning systems (ILSs). Empirical studies of ILSs are discussed; implementation models are considered; and factors that facilitate or hinder implementation are described, including student time on the system, teacher involvement, integration with the classroom curriculum,…

Explains the use of instructional design with a mastery learning strategy (IDML) in teaching mathematics. The IDML model, a combination of other theories including Gagne's instructional events, has been used to improve mathematics instruction in Malaysian schools, and includes developing test items, the teachers' development of learning materials,…