This article presents a systematic instructional design procedure to develop a Computer-Assisted Vocabulary Acquisition (CAVA) software in a consistent and reliable way. The design process involves ADDIE fundamental elements: Analyse, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. This article will describe in detail each of the five ADDIE…

The ability to assess learning hinges on the quality of the instruments that are used. This paper reports on the first stage of the design of software to assist educators in ensuring assessment questions meet educational outcomes. A review of the literature within the field of instructional psychology was undertaken with a view towards…

Natural Language Generation (NLG) systems can make data accessible in an easily digestible textual form; but using such systems requires sophisticated linguistic and sometimes even programming knowledge. We have designed and implemented an environment for creating and modifying NLG templates that requires no programming knowledge, and can operate…

Game-based learning harnesses the advantages of computer games technology to create a fun, motivating and interactive virtual learning environment that promotes problem-based experiential learning. Such an approach is advocated by many commentators to provide an enhanced learning experience than those based on traditional didactic methods.…

Growing science apathy at the K-12 education level represents an alarming development with potentially devastating consequences at individual, societal and economic levels. Technology has been incorporated in science education without fundamentally improving test scores or student attitudes. We claim the core of the problem is how technology is…

Interactive visual learning tools (IVLTs) are software environments that encode and display information visually and allow learners to interact with the visual information. This article examines the application and utility of frameworks in the analysis and design of IVLTs at the micro level. Frameworks play an important role in any design. They…

Invited as a paper from E-Learn 2009 This study compared two programmes developed as a learning tool for students to practise basic laboratory procedures. One was a Flash simulation programme, the other a Second Life virtual reality programme. A cohort of 93 bioscience students participated in the between trial. A control group was used to…

In the last years, Instructional Design has seen the development of visual notation systems for supporting and enhancing the design process. Some of them concern the definition of learning goals, while others address the definition of learning activities or learning materials. These tools supposedly reduce the cognitive load and enhance design…

Learn, Explore, and Practice (LEAP) is an intelligent tutoring system for training new customer contact employees in customer interaction skills (problem solving and sales) as well as domain knowledge, such as telecommunications products and services. This article describes the design and evaluation (formative and summative) of the first version…

Describes a new scholarly review process for courseware and other interactive learning and information system products. The purpose is to provide a mechanism to support faculty in the creative scholarship of designing and developing interactive products, evaluating their quality, disseminating results, and providing opportunities for the…

Discusses the development of effective interactive learning environments based on a case study of a staff development program for university personnel that combined a Web-based database with CD technology. Topics include aspects of educational design; software design, including feasibility studies; project management, including team issues and…

The "Convince Me" computer environment supports critical thinking by allowing users to create and evaluate computer-based representations of arguments. This study investigates theoretical and design considerations pertinent to using "Convince Me" as an educational tool to support reasoning about public policy issues. Among…