This study examined how participating preservice teachers reported their perceptions and use of different scaffolds provided to support their WebQuest design. Sixteen preservice teachers participated in a succession of course activities designed to guide WebQuest design and development. Results indicated that while participants followed, adapted,…

The Outcome Consequence Model (OCM) emphasizes the importance of evaluating instructional products and systems using a broadened perspective of the intent of learning from instruction. OCM emphasizes systematic and empirical evaluation procedures, establishes bases for comparison of instructional effectiveness, and evaluates learning beyond the…

In this article, the author describes how Eric Fox presents an interesting case for applying functional contextualism (FC) constructs and principles to learning and instruction. He draws several well-debated issues related to the instructional design and technology (IDT) field's shifting philosophical-epistemological roots and pedagogical…

Although student-centred learning environments have recently attracted attention, such systems often place an unusual cognitive burden on the learner. Recent research suggests that cognitive tools can scaffold student-centred learning in these types of environments. This paper introduces and analyses problems and issues in the design and use of…

Discusses the importance of screen design in computer-based instruction (CBI), and presents a framework for screen design decisions based on the ROPES (Retrieving, Orienting, Presenting, Encoding, and Sequencing) meta-model for instructional design. Psychological, instructional, and technological foundations of screen design are discussed, and…

Guidelines presented for the design of instruction using interactive technologies are based on theory and research in learning, instruction, and/or media development. Also explained is a meta-model, ROPES, which highlights retrieval of information, orienting activities, presentation, encoding in the cognitive structure, and the sequencing of…

Examines factors to be considered before deciding what type of instructional control is desired in computer-assisted instruction and presents guidelines for determining locus of instructional control. Guidelines relate to learner age and ability, learning task, use of coaching procedures, inclusion of structural guidance, and procedures for…

These two articles discuss the contributions of behavioral and cognitive psychology to the design of computer-based instruction (CBI) and describe an integrated meta-model for use with instructional systems design (ISD) called ROPES + (Retrieving, Orienting, Presenting, Encoding, and Sequencing). Highlights include motivation, information…

Presents a framework for organizing research and theory in the areas of psychology, pedagogy, and technology as they relate to interactive multimedia; and derives principles and implications for the design of interactive multimedia. Highlights include prior knowledge, the organization and utilization of knowledge, feedback, concept maps, and…

Discussion of constructivist learning environments focuses on the concept of grounded design, a process that involves linking the practices of learning systems design with related theory and research. Topics include directed versus situated learning environments, situated cognition and anchored instruction, social constructivism and problem…

Reviews traditional functions of interaction in computer-based instruction (CBI); describes quantitative and qualitative perspectives on interaction strategies; discusses design-centered and learner-centered interaction; and presents methods for promoting cognitive engagement via mathemagenic and generative interaction strategies, including…

The effects of various interactive video instructional control options and practice on learning were examined in this study. The interactive video lesson was a 30-minute videotape designed to introduce cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Subjects were 48 graduate and undergraduate volunteers, none of whom had prior experience with CPR or…

This study examined the relationships among presentational stimuli (oral, visual, oral plus visual), types of content (concrete, abstract), and learner ability (high verbal, low verbal). Third grade students either heard a short story, watched pictures showing the same short story, or heard and watched a combination of the oral and picture…

Ninth-grade learners used one of three versions of an interactive video lesson on basic economics theory, one based on knowledge strategy, one on context strategy, and a control version without embedded questions. Results indicated context strategy was as effective as knowledge strategy for teaching declarative knowledge and more effective for…

This study of undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in computer literacy courses focuses on the effects of orienting activities and varied cognitive processing times on learning facts and deriving inferences. Highlights include computer-based instruction processing, embedded instructional activities, and suggestions for further research.…