Many students are capable of reading a chapter, doing the end-of-chapter questions, studying a little bit, and passing the chapter test. Many teachers are in the habit of using a textbook as a crutch to fall back on when creativity is lacking. Others are capable of teaching incredibly creative lessons based on state standards but are bound by the…

Educational technology is developing rapidly, making education more accessible, affordable, adaptable, and equitable. Students now have the option to choose a campus that can provide an excellent blended learning curriculum with minimal geographical restraints. We explored ways to maximize the power of educational technologies to improve teaching…

Do you have an idea for a new activity or laboratory exercise that you would like to incorporate into your course but feel unsure as to how it will be received by your students? This was our concern when developing first-year biology labs for a biology majors' course at University of Windsor. Through a Centred on Learning Innovation Fund (CLIF)…

Drawing on the University of Massachusetts experience in developing successful blended local programs, this paper suggests guiding principles that include mission-driven responsiveness to local contexts and partnerships; using low-cost marketing strategies available through local relationships and brand; attending to students' preferences for…

Increasing the effectiveness of e-learning has become one of the most practically and theoretically important issues within both educational engineering and information system fields. The development of information technologies has contributed to growth in online training as an important education method. The online training environment enables…

Describes a cost analysis model and procedures which permit the realignment of costs and outcomes. Full cost v direct costs, alternative approaches, accuracy of the selected approach, and the cost analysis report are also briefly discussed. (Author/JEG)

Provides an overview of modern instructional technology including the characteristics of cost effective instructional programs and the principal features, stages, applications, and expectations of modern instructional technology. (CHC)

Argues that with project prices of courseware surpassing those of hardware, the National Science Foundation (NSF) must promote transportability if computer-based instruction is to gain widespread implementation.

Discusses the theories of instructional design methodologies and describes limitations for developing instruction for interactive, technology-based delivery systems. Topics discussed include content analysis; knowledge acquisition; course organization; phases of instructional development; passive versus interactive instruction; productivity and…

This chapter outlines the theory of cost-benefit analysis and discusses its application to determining the cost-benefit of instructional development projects. Three types of applications are discussed: (1) descriptive applications of single projects; (2) predictive studies of proposed projects; and (3) comparative analysis of alternative projects…

Required features of random access videodiscs are presented in the context of potential applications, and four classes of possible systems are described. The implications of these features for courseware design are discussed. Communication with hardware manufacturers is encouraged. (Author/JEG)

Explains how cost-utility analysis can be applied to the selection of curriculum and instructional methods. Describes the use of multiattribute utility models of decision making as a tool for more informed judgment in educational administration. (SK)

Intended to provide a frame of reference for a symposium on automated aids to instructional design and development (ID), this paper accomplishes three tasks: (1) it outlines problems encountered in ID--e.g., complexity of curriculum planning and instruction development, quality maintenance in the ID process and products, and cost effectiveness--in…

Examines characteristics of the successful computer assisted instruction (CAI) author, including knowledge required and time for planning, developing, and testing. Obstacles to successful teacher-author are described, including need for extensive training and uninterrupted free time. An alternative approach of teamwork between computer…

Presents guidelines for cost effective product development for training managers charged with quality control of products and training specialists who design materials. Discusses phases of educational product development--diagnosis, design, development, and evaluation. (MBR)