This course design is characterized by a small group organization, course processes as models, direct personal learning about teaching in a supportive microteaching environment, and continuous evaluation and feedback. The evidence suggests that the course meets the needs of the university teacher and has desirable academic, social, and personal…

The author examines the role of educational technologists and proposes that evaluation is the unifying activity in which those in the field can join together.

The article provides an account of the developing and changing perspectives of educational technology in the IET during its brief history, as well as its organizational structure, operations and publications.

Describes Manpower Services Commissions Open Tech Programme, a developmental, project-based program begun in 1982 to open adult access to updating and upgrading training at technical and supervisory skill levels. Discussion includes issues arising in the program's management, administration, and the design and process of open learning and impact…

A discussion of the reasons for PSI's effectiveness. The key features of the system appear to be three: small steps, immediate feedback, and a unit-mastery requirement. (Author/HB)

A method of analyzing textual learning materials is described. Using data from student questionnaires, the method reveals the underlying structure of concepts in the materials and can pinpoint the location and cause of student difficulties.

The process of formative evaluation used at the British Open University for course improvement is described.

The author proposes a learner-centered approach to the design and formative evaluation of OU courses.

Describes study that compared the attainment gains of Guyanan secondary school children in science and geography following two different learning regimes, i.e., systematically designed learning materials, and conventional teaching. Implications of the results for curriculum design and teacher training are discussed. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the importance of client styles, consulting modes, and development of relationships in the management of a process designed to provide better instructional alternatives. A summary of factors contributing to effective relationships is included. (CHC)

Describes the National System of Distance Training (SINCAD) which is a long-term effort at a systems approach application of educational technology in Chile. The history, system of course design, and work that has been done are discussed within the context of the role of vocational training in Latin America. (CHC)

Discusses the development of a minicourse approach in which three aspects of design and implementation are based on educational technology: a systems approach to curriculum development, application of behavioral theory, and stimulus response chains which are organized as linear sequences of input-process-output cycles linked by feedback loops.…

Presents a model of the role of instructional feedback in learning a motor skill and identifies six levels of motor skill output, each of which has a characteristic type of feedback. The usefulness of several feedback techniques reported in the literature is discussed. (Author/LRW)

Describes a seven-level taxonomy intended to assist design teams to produce more generalized, flexible media to support instruction. The levels are defined as jargon and definitions, component point recognition, awareness of purpose, components of usage skill, awareness of sequences, skill performance or application of relationships, and…

Introduces this special issue by discussing the nature of educational technology and its development in the antipodes as presented in the eight papers which follow. Topics focus on the understanding of educational technology as a systematic process--a problem-oriented approach to the design, implementation, and evaluation of educational…