The stars closest to Earth are not particularly remarkable or exciting. They are average stars typical of the spiral arms of our Milky Way galaxy. In fact, until recently, most astronomy and Earth science textbooks ignored all but the largest of them to focus on distant, more exotic objects like red supergiants or black holes. The recent discovery…

A distributed online curriculum and courseware development model (DONC[superscript 2]) is developed and tested in this study. Courseware development teams which may work in different institutions who need to develop high quality, reduced cost, on time products will be the users of DONC[superscript 2]. The related features from the disciplines of…

The premise is advanced that a major weakness of the everyday generic instructional systems design model stems from a too modest traditional conception of the purpose and potential of formative evaluation. In the typical ISD (instructional systems design) model formative evaluation is shown not at all or as a single, product evaluation step. Yet…

Discusses the need for and use of models in the design and development of instructional materials, providing an overview of the main characteristics of a unit model and three course models: a simple linear model, a refined linear model, and a branched model. (RAO)

Describes the process by which Learner Verification and Revision (LVR) transforms information gathered during learner verification into revision prescriptions for the development of instructional materials. Robinson's and Gropper's procedural models for formative evaluation are also discussed and a study comparing the effectiveness of materials…

Reviews the basic assumptions of two paradigms of inquiry, the rationalist and the naturalist, to determine which one provides the best fit for one-to-one formative evaluation of instructional materials focusing on learnability issues. Conclusions suggest the naturalistic assumptions are more suitable. (13 references) (LRW)

This first in a series of articles on an instructional development project management model discusses the role of the project manager, and outlines the phases of the model that is used to meet training needs. Highlights include project planning, instructional development (including creating the materials), and followup (including evaluation). (LRW)

This chapter examines the roles of the instructional developer and the media production specialist in the development of instructional projects in the context of a six step development process. These steps include pre-assessment, establishing goals, identifying and specifying objectives, designing strategies, selecting and/or producing resources,…

To contribute to a deeper understanding of distance education and its potential development, this 19-chapter book systematically relates correspondence education to seven teaching models: Skinner's behavior control model, Rothkopf's model for written instruction, Ausubel's advance organizer model, Egan's structural communication model, Bruner's…

Investigates alternative methods of developing computer assisted instruction (CAI) lessons and concludes that a team effort of experienced educators and highly skilled computer professionals is essential for production of "better" CAI lessons. A model illustrating such a team effort for CAI development is presented and analyzed.…

Instructional Design Expert (ID Expert) is a prototype instructional design expert system which supports the instructional design phase of instructional system development. It differs from other instructional design toolkits in that it is built using a knowledge engineering approach, and has been implemented as an expert system. The system…

Describes the production of master instructional materials as one step in a project management model for instructional development. Maintaining a balance between instructional integrity and production values is discussed; the manager's role is described; and guidelines for involving subject matter experts and the sponsors in production are…

Discussion of videodisc instruction for education and training focuses on a seven-stage quality control model for use with large development projects. Topics discussed include development of instructional goals, videodisc design, development review, production review, programing review, revisions, and a final review and sign off. (eight…

The paper outlines a staff development strategy (model) designed to facilitate the development of sound instructional materials while keeping in harmony with the concerns of the individual staff members. The goals and role of innovation, stages of concern among staff, and strategies in staff development are discussed. (EAO)

Formative evaluation of instructional materials may not be time efficient or cost effective. Scriven's definition of formative evaluation, used in this paper, applies to the assessment and refinement of instructional materials still under development. Implementation of formative evaluation techniques does not seem to yield significant improvement…