Discusses how to design courseware programs that integrate benefits of instructionism (linear instruction) and constructionism in a hypermedia structure. A model of feedback that fades in and out is suggested, four examples are explained, and suggestions for redesigning programs are given. (LRW)

Describes the development of educational computer software called scenario software that was designed to incorporate advances in cognitive, affective, and physiological research. Instructional methods are outlined; the need to change from didactic methods to discovery learning is explained; and scenario software design features are discussed. (24…

Presents a methodology for the development of educational software for use in secondary education based on the characteristics of the students and the curricular objectives. Topics discussed include desirable features of educational software and the engineering of educational software, including its interdisciplinary nature. (Contains 10…

Describes the design principles behind a set of research-based software microworlds included in the "Building Blocks" program, a pre-kindergarten to grade 2 software-based mathematics curriculum. Discusses how to help children extend and mathematize their everyday activities and presents the nine-step design process model used.…

Scenario refers to specific courses of action/events occurring within computer simulations and attempting to recreate lifelike situations. This article identifies critical features and their elements in designing effective scenarios in computer-based instructional simulations: (1) sequence; (2) operating procedures; (3) characteristics of…

Argues that consideration of constructivism's epistemological implications suggests that educational technologists need to convince learners of a problem's authenticity rather than to promote environments that deliver "preauthenticated" problems. Proposes guidelines to assist developers of educational technologies in accommodating the essentially…

Defines social and instructional interaction and outlines key elements influencing the design of adaptive computer-mediated learning. Discusses options for the design of interactivity: Web-based, groupware, programming tools, and hybrid course design programs; proposes a graphical model for choosing design tools balancing interactivity and…

Argues for the development of tailor-made computer-assisted learning (CAL) tutorials with the aim of replacing traditional lectures in second-language instruction. Issues related to the production of multimedia modular templates and prototypes, including module design, design criteria, methodology, and learner interaction, are described. (seven…

As new users from the non-technical community are attracted to multimedia (MM) computing, it becomes necessary to design a convenient and easy-to-understand logical structure that facilitates data transfer from the MM data repository to MM applications. A recently introduced layered formalism, which describes MM applications in terms of the data…

Reports several dilemmas that a team of university- and industry-based designers encountered as they collaborated on the design and development of a multimedia software program for teaching academic writing to intermediate English as a second or foreign language learners. Discusses cultural sensitivity and program engagement. (Author/LRW)

Arguing that good screen design is an important part of good instructional design for computer-based training, this article describes how to design screens to facilitate learning and provide for appropriate student-computer interaction. Topics discussed include general text and graphics design, screen layout, use of color, and effective design for…

Discussion of incorporating audio into videodiscs for multimedia educational applications highlights a project developed for the Navy that used digital audio in an interactive video delivery system (IVDS) for training sonar operators. Storage constraints with videodiscs are explained, design requirements for the IVDS are described, and production…

Describes development shells and navigation templates that were designed by American Airlines trainers for the development of interactive multimedia instruction. Development time and cost are considered; functional requirements, including learning objectives, are discussed; and development shells for lessons, skills assessment, and proficiency…

In research and development it is not unusual to find the resources driving the instruction; this approach can be modified to a more acceptable one if the new technology is applied in such a way as to integrate sound instructional methods. Research and development personnel of the University of Victoria (Canada) Language Center often initiate…

Offers tips and techniques for authoring computer-based training and courseware products. Describes basic design concepts and points that pertain to individual components. Focuses specifically on the visual elements associated with the use of video, text, graphics, animation and interactivity in multimedia courseware. (AEF)