Recent work in science education has emphasized the importance of the conceptual, social, and epistemic dimensions in science learning. But what about the material dimension--the actual physical materials that students use? The way their characteristics and affordances limit or determine instruction has thus far not been as thoroughly explored.…

The current experimental study examined the effects of graphic organizers in a collaborative learning context where students constructed knowledge during online discussions. As the results could vary depending on how students interacted with the graphic organizers, this study compared two different approaches: instructor-provided versus…

The design of online course materials is rarely informed by learning theories or their pedagogical implications. The goal of this research was to develop, implement and assess a virtual learning environment (VLE), SOFIAA, which was designed using the cognitive apprenticeship model (CAM), a pedagogical model based on learning-centered theory. We…

Nearly all of today's Western teenagers have a profile on a social network site (SNS). As many risks have been reported, researchers and governments have emphasized the role of school education to teach teenagers how to deal safely with SNSs. However, little is known about the specific characteristics which would make interventions effective.…

Today various types of tablet computers are used, including iPad and Android Tablets. These individual portable digital devices can be used as e-book readers to support mobile personalized learning. Though many studies have investigated e-books by targeting undergraduate students, yet less attention has been paid to children. Therefore, an…

Research suggests students' use of information and communication technology (ICT) may be more a matter of digital literacy and access rather than a generational trait. We sought to identify ICT preferences of post-secondary students (N = 580) through a Digital Propensity Index (DPI), investigating communication methods, Internet practices and the…

Object-oriented instructional design (OOID) offers the promise of universal access to online instructional materials, increased productivity among trainers and educators, and solutions for individualizing learning. However, it is unclear whether it can fulfill these promises to the degree many envision. As with every new instructional technology,…

Reports the experience of one international organization, the National Institute of Information Technology (NIIT), a global corporation based in New Delhi, India, in attempting to reach the factory goal in the field of technology-based training. Describes the challenges and issues associated with that quest. (Author/AEF)

Discussion of instructional design focuses on the use of rapid application development (RAD) procedures for producing timely instruction, particularly self-paced instruction for teaching technology skills. Describes research that examined the use of a RAD approach to improve the usability of instructional materials for a preservice technology…

Outlines some tools and tactics for the knowledge-elicitation process in multimedia design by facilitating communication between the designer and subject matter expert (SME). Defines multimedia SME and exploratory multimedia, and discusses the role of the SME, stages of SME consultation, as well as problems and tips to optimize SME consultations.…

Describes how a practical design question led to a reconsideration of the design process for problem-based instruction. Argues that this restructured process, called the "single-parse" design method, is of general value to designers. Discusses the product that emerged and application to the World Wide Web. (AEF)

Examines the effects of a prototype of motivationally-adaptive computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Findings indicate CAI can be designed to be motivationally adaptive to respond to changes in learner motivation that may occur over time. Results also illustrate that the ARCS (attention, relevance, confidence, satisfaction) model can be useful and…

Investigates the effects of personalized instruction on achievement and attitudes of Taiwanese elementary students on two-step mathematics and word problems. Students initially completed a survey on which they choice their favorite foods, sports, stores, classmates, and other selections. The most popular items were then used to create personalized…

Defines case methods, a potentially valuable instructional tool for encouraging authentic, active learning. Describes an approach to the design and use of instructional design (ID) cases, and reports on the design and use of a Web-based ID case in a team case competition involving six universities. Team collaboration and competition were noted as…

Examines how educational theory translates into classroom practice. Students in a graduate course learned about educational theory by creating a hypermedia chapter for a Web-based book. Findings indicated: most students were highly satisfied with the course; some transferred learning; and students developed skills and knowledge with instructional…