Arguing that the failure of instructional materials is frequently due to misconceptions held by their developers concerning the nature of comprehension, this chapter examines the factors involved in comprehension and relates them to the design of instructional materials. Three types of errors in comprehension are discussed, and ways to avoid them…

Addresses the four questions raised by Yelon about use of pretests with instruction--should I pretest; on what should I pretest; how should I pretest; how should I adjust to results--and answers them from the perspective of instructional designers conducting formative evaluations to improve quality of instruction under development. (MBR)

Describes the variety of types of products produced by instructional designers, discusses the role of the designer, lists the critical instructional design attributes needed by instructors who design and implement loosely structured instructional products, and discusses prototype evaluation methods for less flexible, instructor-centered products.…

Designed to promote cooperative efforts between researchers in artificial intelligence and instruction for the development of future computer-delivered instructional systems, this article contrasts intelligent computer-assisted instruction (ICAI) and traditional computer-based instruction (CBI) in terms of the basic philosophies underlying their…

Presents an instructional development model that incorporates formative evaluation techniques, and explores the possible application of the model in developing computer-assisted instruction courseware. Advantages and disadvantages of this approach are identified and implications for research on formative evaluation are discussed. (31 references)…

An overview of the research and design process that led to the creation of the Bank Street word processing program for children is reported. The decision to create a word processor for the classroom was based on the findings that commercially available programs took too long to learn, required the memorization of too many commands or rules, had…

Pointing out that interactive video (IAV) represents a synthesis of four primary technologies--computers, television, visual design, and instructional design--this paper discusses the what, why, and how of IAV visuals. The features and relevant aspects of each technology are briefly discussed, as well as the impact of each of these technologies…

Presents a conceptual framework for design of business games in which output is in the form of service. The framework is presented as three separate systems--the physical, the financial, and the external environment. A hotel management game is used to illustrate the discussion. (Author/MBR)

Discusses whether techniques found useful in text design can be transposed to the display of computer-assisted learning (CAL) materials. Highlights include differences in interaction between books and computers; problems in learning from books; text displays; computer displays; and possible future developments. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the importance of involving experts and learners in the formative evaluation of instructional materials. A case study describing the evaluation of a filmstrip/audiotape program is presented, and the importance of gathering feedback from multiple sources before making revision decisions is emphasized. (Author/LRW)

Discusses what it is about home learning that creates a need for study skills improvement and the study skills required for successful home learning (information processing and personal skills, and support strategies). The role and responsibilities of educational technologists in helping learners to acquire effective study skills are considered.…

Describes study that investigated the communicability of the emotional connotation of various typefaces. Typographers, student instructional technologists, and naive readers (high school and college students) rated 30 typefaces using a semantic differential scale. Seven hypotheses tested are discussed and results are analyzed. (Author/LRW)

A review of the research literature on systematic instructional design indicates that few empirically supported guidelines exist for testing materials under development and for improving materials on the basis of feedback from potential learners. In an analysis of 17 textbooks on instructional design, eight specific aspects to be considered in…

This paper discusses research on the processes by which individuals progress toward expertise in scientific domains, focusing on the activity of constructing qualitative problem representations during solution of standard mechanics problems in physics. It includes information on: (1) descriptive analyses of problem-solving performance; (2)…

Describes development of a generative schema based on the concept of change for inclusion in instructional materials for a college physics course to help students integrate all of the physics content. Psychological basis for these materials is discussed, a design approach is described, and questions are posed for further investigation. (MBR)