Examines notion of algorithms and describes variety of roles they take in educational endeavors. Problems in their development and application are explored, and implications for future use and research are presented. References are included. (BK)

Describes functions comprising task analysis process--inventory, description, selection, sequencing, and analysis--and reviews distinctions between the micro/macro level, top-down/bottom-up, and job/learning task analysis processes. These functions and distinctions are combined into a quasi-algorithm suggesting which of 30 task analysis procedures…