Describes instructional transactions as patterns of learner interactions designed to enable learners to acquire certain kinds of knowledge or skill and identifies four primary components of an interaction shell: interactions and an interaction manager, instructional parameters, a knowledge base, and a resource database. Transaction shell authoring…

A person-centered model of instruction has been developed for use in designing instruction in virtual, Web-based environments. This model, based on the work of Carl Rogers, attempts to address several issues raised in the literature regarding: (1) the changing role of instructors and students; (2) the broadening of the notion of learning outcomes;…

In educational environments, it is desirable to support the mechanism by which people can participate in interesting communities without any trouble and also to promote successful learning activities. Now that Web-based environments have been successively organized under a virtualized communication network or a logical interaction space, the…

Reviews the evolution of instructional systems design and computer-based learning environments, focusing on the effects of technological advances. Classification of learning environments is discussed in the context of the dimensions of scope (macrolevel or microlevel), user activity (generative or mathemagenic), educational activity (goal-directed…

Discusses the change from a teacher-centered approach when computers were first used in the classroom to a learner-centered approach. Highlights each of six articles presented in this special issue that explore the issues related to using the computer as a tool to learning with, rather than to learn from. (AEF)

While the idea of reusing objects in digital learning environments is not new, continual strides are being made toward improving the prospects of reusability. A major trend in company training settings is to think of reusability in terms of a LMS (learning management system), but instructor use and pedagogies are little considered. This paper…

The rapid growth of Web-based instruction has raised many questions about the quality of online courses. It appears that many online courses are simply modeled after traditional forms of instruction instead of incorporating a design that takes advantage of the unique capabilities of Web-based learning environments. This paper describes a research…

Focuses on creating extrinsic motivational techniques to complement the intrinsic needs of online learners. Discusses key points to focus on during the needs analysis stage for online instruction; strategies to create and maintain motivation during the course; motivational strategies to improve transfer of training back to the workplace after the…

When students feel that their learning needs are not being met by computer-aided instruction, learning becomes passive, often resulting in boredom, frustration or a dislike for learning with computers. "Button Theory" allows the student to express his feelings and questions to the computer at the touch of a button, thus enhancing control over the…

Designing an online class guided by the principles of learner-centered instruction at the postsecondary level is a daunting challenge for new professors facing the demands of a tenure track position. This paper presents the findings of a pilot project on two junior faculty members' experiences with online course development and teaching in a…

The Organized Career Orientation Course was written to help Bahraini secondary school leavers prepare for the job market by equipping them with relevant language skills such as note taking and report writing. The strong point of the course is the multi-media input and the fact that it is student-centered. Two learning methods were piloted. Results…

This paper deals with a significant challenge in education today: the challenge to teach life long learning and critical thinking skills in Web-based environments. This is a challenge for two reasons. First, business and government are pressuring educational institutions to prepare employees who can think critically, solve a range of problems,…

Focuses on designing the right questions for promoting discussion in online adult learning environments. Discusses levels of questions; purposes of questions; tips for online questions; principles for designing an online discussion; preparing learners for discussions; and managing the discussion in process. (Contains 9 references.) (AEF)

The purpose of this study is to examine how technology, namely virtual reality (VR), can be developed as a critical pedagogical tool. More specifically, the study explores whether the use of VR can challenge the traditional lecture format and make the classroom a more student-centered environment. In this instance, VR is defined as a set of…

As technology developments seek to improve learning, researchers, developers, and educators seek to understand how technological properties impact performance. This paper delineates how a traditional science course is enhanced through the use of simulation projects directed by the students themselves as a means to increase their level of knowledge…