This article opens by discussing what paradigm change is and why it is needed. Then it describes the new AECT initiative, "FutureMinds: Transforming America's School Systems," beginning with its purpose (to help state departments of education to facilitate paradigm change in school districts), the fundamental ideas underlying the initiative (e.g.,…

This article, the third in a series of four installments, begins by discussing the need for paradigm change in education and for a critical systems approach to paradigm change, and examines current progress toward paradigm change. Then it explores what a learner-centered, Information-Age educational system should be like, including the APA…

Based on the premise that educators should identify instructional problems before they use microcomputers for instruction, this article shows how needs assessment and instructional design relate to the decision. A three-phase questioning process is suggested to help determine when and where to use computer assisted instruction. (MBR)

Discussion of distance learning focuses on a study of graduate education students that compared the content mastery and the attitudes of students in on- and off-campus courses that used interactive video. Theoretical perspectives are offered, including the conduit theory, the interactive theory, and the Salomon model. (14 references) (LRW)

Proposes a model for transforming equivalency in education from a unit of measurement focused on time in the classroom to one focused on learner achievement. While allowing time and location to vary across courses and academic programs, the Capabilities Based Educational Equivalency (CBEE) Units model permits the valid comparison of student…

Describes "Wyzt's Playground", a fourth grade math multimedia title that emulates and simulates the real-life scenario of building a playground and supports the instruction of mathematics and measures proficiency in five NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) standards. Explains the multimedia production process and the…

Discussion of personalized instruction focuses on reading education and presents a systems model for teachers called a Teacher System for Personalized Instruction (TSPI). Topics discussed include diagnosing the needs of the learner; self-paced learning; motivation; achievement; mastery learning; evaluation plan; and cognitive, affective,…