The aim of this project is to build software development environments for teachers, enabling them to produce their own educational applications for their classrooms as easily as they might produce educational materials using a word processor. As one means of realizing this goal, the authors proposed a componentware methodology, and developed 15…

This personal account of the development of computer-based learning from the 1960s to the present argues that the 1960s were a period of gestation. Instructional applications of computers at that time included efforts to simulate physics experiments and the debut of the PLATO system, which already had the ability to deliver interactive instruction…

International collaborative learning is becoming more viable through a variety of Internet enabled software products. Group Support Systems appear to offer promise. But it is not well understood how to facilitate the teaching and learning process in electronic environments. If education is to involve an interactive process of collaborative inquiry…

Within the field of teacher education, there are software designers creating software based on case-based learning theories. This paper examines the difficulties encountered in teacher preparation, and discusses how case-based instruction can address them. It analyzes three software packages designed for case-based teacher education, and discusses…

The purpose of this study was to: identify critical characteristics of a situated learning environment from the extensive literature base on the subject; operationalize the critical characteristics of a situated learning environment by designing a multimedia program that incorporated the identified characteristics; and investigate university…

An instructional application consists of a set of resources and activities that implement interacting, interrelated and structured experiences oriented towards achieving specific educational objectives. Computer-based instructional applications have to be looked at as any other development activity following a well defined process. With this…

This article offers teachers basic information on using authoring programs and hypermedia to develop computer-assisted instructional programs as well as a seven-step systematic instructional design and development model involving preplanning, designing, authoring, testing, and revising the courseware product. Examples of teacher developed…

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…

Examines the processes involved in building instructional systems that are based on artificial intelligence and hypermedia technologies. Traditional instructional systems design methodology is discussed; design issues including system architecture and learning strategies are addressed; and a new methodology for building knowledge-based…

Provides an overview of developments in computer-based training (CBT) authoring software and reviews the following products: Macromedia's Authorware, Aimtech's CBT Express, Iprax CourseWorks, Intersystem Concepts' Everest, Aimtech's IconAuthor, Innovus Multimedia, Allen Communication's QuestNet+, and Asymetrix's ToolBook II Instructor. A sidebar…

Discusses barriers to threaded-topic discussions in online teaching. Suggests a better way to enhance communication and promote collaborative learning: a jointly prepared, "shared document" format. Describes the development and use of Forum MATRIX, a software program designed to maximize the potential of the shared document format. (AEF)

This final report describes activities and accomplishments of the Expressive Arts Project for Young Children with Disabilities, which developed and evaluated a CD-ROM, ArtSpace. The program, developed on a Macintosh platform, allows the child to either view or make art. It offers real time video, music especially produced to accompany images,…

This paper considers the technological aspects of learning environment analysis in the instructional development process. Characteristics of a technology-based learning environment are discussed, and old and new models of technology and learning are examined. The connection between technology and cognition is addressed, and the importance of…

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…

Focuses on software for distance education. Discusses the cost of course development and highlights three classes of distance education tools: communication tools, course development tools, and digital imaging and video production software. Presents three scenarios that reflect the most likely approaches to course development and presentation.…