Testing and evaluation are important components of effective instructional software development. Many evaluation approaches today are multifaceted, employing a combination of methodologies and multiple data collection techniques. In this paper, several approaches to evaluation are discussed. Computerized tracking systems, videotape recording…

Many new technologies are now available for delivering and/or providing access to computer-based learning (CBL) materials. These technologies vary in sophistication in many important ways, depending upon the bandwidth that they provide, the interactivity that they offer and the types of end-user connectivity that they support.Invariably,…

Computer programming is a domain of knowledge that is generally considered difficult by students, many of whom experience low levels of achievement and become disillusioned. This paper suggests that cognitive load theory needs to be taken into account when designing instructional materials for this domain. The cognitive load that is experienced by…

Describes the use of concept mapping as a tool to gather data about student misconceptions. Student concept maps are used to inform the design/development of an innovative, simple-to-use, computer-based learning tool which may be incorporated into online courseware. The interactive grouping tool is designed to allow students to construct their own…

System dynamics has been shown to be an effective tool in managing the complexities of domains that involve complex structures. A framework is suggested for using system dynamic tools and technologies as the basis for constructing highly engaging learning environments. (Author/AEF)

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…

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…

In this paper, an instructor at Miami University Middletown (Ohio) describes how Authorware (by Macromedia) proved to be a valuable tool in developing interactive computer tutorials for physics instruction. Obstacles to improved instruction that had presented themselves were as follows: (1) some of the students' learning styles were not being…

Experience has shown that the production of rich-media content for Web-based courses tends to be extremely cost- and time-consuming. One way for campus-based universities to reduce authoring costs is to automate the production process by using suitable tools for capturing live lectures. This paper describes different technical approaches to…

Explains why metaphors are important design elements in multimedia learning environments. Describes a model developed for levels of metaphor mapping which is oriented toward a cognitive engineering approach for describing aspects of user interfaces. Shows the extent that the didactic dimensions of width and depth of metaphors be taken into account…

A hypertext application is being developed at the Open University, the United Kingdom's university for distance education, to assist with the design and study of courses by using a software implementation of a relational glossary. It is based on the established view that topics are made up of related concepts and that their relationships can be…

This paper describes the use of Java to develop a variety of educational materials to supplement both traditional instruction and Internet-based instruction. Efforts have focused on three projects that vary in course level, content, and style of interaction. Unlike the simple Java applets on the Web, these are very sophisticated simulation…

This paper investigates how computer support for vicarious learning can be implemented by taking a principled approach to selecting and combining different media to capture educational dialogues. The main goal is to create vicarious learning materials of appropriate pedagogic content and production quality, and at the same time minimize the…

Discussion of the time needed to create computer-based instruction focuses on descriptive analyses of production data gathered from novice instructional designers and novice authors who used a commercial authoring system to produce computer-based lessons. Production ratios are explained, and future research plans are discussed. (Contains five…

The design of "Probability Explorer" was inspired by: lack of research-based elementary probability software; constructivist principles for designing computer microworlds; and research on children's probabilistic reasoning. Discussion includes the inspirational and theoretical basis for design; conceptualizing the "Probability Explorer"…