Introduces six articles on the instructional implications of cognitive load theory (CLT). CLT is based on a cognitive architecture that consists of a limited working memory, with partly independent processing units for visual and audio information, which interacts with an unlimited long-term memory. (SLD)

Comments on recent trends in cognitive load theory discussed in the papers in this special issue. Considers the external management of cognitive load through means of optimal instruction and the internal management of cognitive load by learners' metacognitive and self-regulative competence. (SLD)

Reviews two books that are representative of the substantive books aimed at those who wish to design effective distance learning. Together these books provide a reasonably complete perspective on how to design effective distance learning. They have many strengths, and few weaknesses. (SLD)

Some comments are provided about challenges facing the "instructional theory community," and specific remarks are made about papers presented at a session on expectations about instructional theory at the 1998 annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association (AERA) (Session 2). An area of particular interest is that of…

The Expert Mathematician (version 3.0), a middle school math curriculum, was developed from LogoWriter, a computer program that the developer claims is designed to help children learn independently through exploration. According to J. J. Baker, the Expert Mathematician is designed to provide a creative environment that is intended to foster a…

Some reflections are made on the historical context of instructional theory, and comments are presented on some papers from a session of the American Educational Research Association's 1998 annual meeting. A number of current innovations in instructional theory can actually be found among topics that have been discussed at various times in the…

A software package, ThinkingLand, was developed to help students' understanding of the content and thinking processes involved when using multimedia. Topics include multimedia reports and knowledge building; journal writing; collaboration; procedural facilitations; and the design and instructional applications of ThinkingLand. (AEF)

A historical perspective is provided of instructional theories, and some comments are presented on five papers from a session of the 1998 annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association (AERA). There is a large array of contemporary instructional design theories and models, and the number of theories is increasing. Some ways of…

Reviews Moore's book on the strategies for well-planned teaching. Discusses the contents of each of the book's 10 chapters, noting that, although the book's focus is on the basics of teaching, the book does not adequately cover recent findings. (JPB)

This paper describes the highlights of a review of both commercially available videodiscs and research prototypes that was undertaken for the Interactive Videodisc Project, and sets out design principles suggested by the best examples, which take advantage of the unique characteristics of laser videodisc technology. Design options on three levels…

Annotates and reviews three professional books about organizing reading instruction; some of the resources highlight belief systems and some highlight procedures. (MG)

Reviews "Wired Together: The On-line Classroom in K-12, Volumes 1-4" edited by Zane L. Berge and Maui P. Collins which includes 19 essays, that asks pertinent questions regarding the effective use of computer technology in elementary and secondary school classrooms and then answers them from a sound pedagogical foundation. Provides…

Authorware is Macromedia's powerful feature-rich tool for courseware development. Version 6.5, released in September 2002, introduces new features for usability, extensibility, and accessibility. New usability enhancements include improvements to script functions and liberal use of drag-and-drop operations. First-time users should beware that they…

Describes training and adult education resources available from ERIC: "Applications of an Adult Motivational Instructional Design Model"; "Visual and Digital Technologies for Adult Learning"; "Applications of Computer-Aided Instruction in Adult Education and Literacy"; and "The San Diego CWELL Project. Report of…

There was no statistically significant difference in student performance between students receiving the Expert Mathematician curriculum and those in the control groups. Baker reported negligible differences between the Expert Mathematician intervention and control groups. The outcome measure is sufficiently reliable, based on the author's report…