Describes a prototype for a World Wide Web site that supports as many student and instructor needs as possible and was developed for a graduate course on instructional design. Topics include roles of the instructor and of the webmaster, student perspectives, technical design issues, user interface, and graphics. (LRW)

Discusses Web-based learning, also referred to as distributed learning, and outlines eight areas that are part of a framework to use to design successful Web learning environments. Includes pedagogical issues, technological factors, interface design, evaluation, management, resource support, ethical issues, and institutional considerations. (LRW)

Describes how the NETg instructional designers devised a solution to rate what was occurring in their online courses and a quick way to convey interactivity for any unit for an entire course. Engagement and feedback charts were developed and dubbed "EKG" charts for their electrocardiograph appearance. Several EKG charts representing…

Addresses some of the issues that instructional designers will face in the near future and ways to deal with new instructional affordances and constraint, including: Menu and Audio, Video, Subpicture Interleaved, Streamlining Digital Media (MAVSI-SDM); three-dimensional flowcharting; designing multi-faceted storyboards and scripts; managing video,…

Presents a strategy for designing course materials for use in multiple digital formats. Discusses initial design--planning for multiple media, instructional contexts, development strategies; designing core information--blocked text design, systematic development; porting information to other digital contexts; and revision and storage. Also…

Describes easy-to-use, easy-to-learn dedicated graphics packages for developing slide presentations shown directly from computers. A general description of the features of five packages and suggestions for software selection are provided. A sidebar provides graphics tips, such as the use of color, typefaces, and formatting, for developing…

Proposes a framework for designers and teachers to research better design methodologies for distance education and to choose the most appropriate technologies and design better instructional tasks. Presents a scenario in which inherent characteristics of technologies are merged with task characteristics to create positive and powerful educational…

Describes a graduate course in distance learning incorporating multiple technologies within a constructivist paradigm. Discusses advance planning; the course overview, materials and resources; logistics; technological issues; pedagogical issues; and difficulties and limitations. Lists suggestions for teachers using multiple technologies in…

Provides guidelines for the organization of information (tables of contents, headings, grouping, URLs--Uniform Resource Locators--and e-mail tags) and the construction of a Web page (size considerations, concision, spelling, file dates, e-mail links, visual appeal, link relevance, copyrights). Includes source code for a sample lesson page and…

Discusses the instructional design process when an additional need is identified in the middle of a project that has already been geared to another need. Topics include determining how critical the additional need is; resources available, including budget impact; time factors; and client satisfaction. (LRW)

Eleventh in a series featuring the 22 principles of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology Code of Ethics, this article presents a scenario: A training consultant decides to start his own company and convince 5 of his employers's clients to contract with him. Suggests that the complex ethical issues involved warrant seeking…

Presents an annotated review of human factors literature that discusses computerized environments. Topics discussed include the application of office automation practices to educational environments; video display terminal (VDT) workstations; health and safety hazards; planning educational facilities; ergonomics in computerized offices; and…

Reviews the key aspects of each stage of working with a subject matter expert (SME) for an instructional design project. Highlights include planning prior to collaborating with the SME, defining roles and responsibilities, the importance of good communication, and the importance of good management. (LRW)

Describes the difference between systemic and systematic as they relate to school reform and instructional design. Highlights include a history of systems theory; systems engineering; instructional systems design; systemic versus reductionist thinking; social systems; and systemic change in education, including power relationships. (LRW)

Although the trend is for less documentation, this article argues that more is needed to help in the analysis of design failure in instructional design. Presents arguments supporting documented design, including error recognition and correction, verification of completeness and soundness, sharing of new design principles, modifiability, error…