For over 50 years, "seven plus or minus two" has been a commonly used guideline for gauging how many chunks of new information should be presented at one time in learning and performance situations. Often cited as the limit of working memory, this guideline was created as a result of misinterpreting an article by Miller (1956). More recent studies…

Although ethics are commonly regarded as an important characteristic and performance attribute, they are also regarded as a slippery or ill-defined topic leaving practitioners and faculty flat-footed in how to teach and assess ethics. This article reports part of the findings from an investigation on deriving an empirical definition of ethics,…

Examines the relationship between instructional design (ID) activities and perceived project success. Analysis was based on interviews with 40 practicing instructional designers involved in 77 ID projects. Results indicate that designers don't implement all the ID activities prescribed by traditional models and that certain activities are…

Since instructional design is a kind of skilled professional behavior, the education of other skilled professionals is examined, and suggestions are made for analogous instructional techniques in any field. The question of how instructional designers should be educated is related to the larger question of how to teach people to design in general.…

Examines the differences between instructional strategies and instructional tactics as part of the instructional systems design (ISD) process. Instructional strategies and learning strategies are discussed, learning outcomes are described, and a decision tree is presented to help designers select appropriate instructional tactics. (36 references)…

Discusses a cognitive apprenticeship approach to teaching design that incorporates elements of modeling, coaching, reflection, articulation, and exploration. Use of the model in an instructional design course that moves novice designers along a continuum of expertise is described, and it is suggested that the model could be adapted for performance…

Discusses an alternative teaching approach that incorporates action learning principles along with authentic project-based methods into the full-time study of instructional design. Describes the implementation of action learning principles within a graduate program in instructional technology at George Mason University. (Author/LRW)

Interactive digital media, or video games, are a powerful new medium. They offer immersive experiences in which players solve problems. Players learn more than just facts--ways of seeing and understanding problems so that they "become" different kinds of people. "Serious games" coming from business strategy, advergaming, and entertainment gaming…

Describes a study that investigated the relationship between instructional design and powerful learning. Highlights include key features of instructional design; the nature of powerful learning experiences; a survey of instructional design experts; interviews with adult learners; instructional strategies suggested by powerful learning factors; and…

Discussion of the case study method focuses on its use to improve human performance. Critical and variable attributes of case studies are described, guidelines for creating a case are suggested, case study method types and formats are discussed, and criteria for evaluating the quality of a case study are presented. (18 references) (LRW)

Discusses the use of interactive design principles for case materials. Topics discussed include the functions of case materials, including bridging theory and practice, problem solving, and motivation; the potential for interaction; considering instructional needs; elements of interaction, including responding, feedback, and branching; and levels…

Identifies sources of information and research about case studies that address (1) the effectiveness of case studies; (2) subject areas where cases are commonly used, as well as recent examples of their use, including college level instruction and teacher training, and government and military training and policy development; and (3) case study…

Presents a case study that determined the traits international students bring to technical training that are most critical and which aspects of instructional design and delivery are affected by those traits. Results indicate that the most critical traits were value differences and language difficulty and that these affected all aspects of…

Several instructional features facilitate the development of metacognitive and self-directed learning skills, and disposition to lifelong learning: student autonomy, responsibility, and intentionality; intrinsically motivating activities; enculturation; discourse and collaboration among learners; and reflection. Describes and presents examples of…

Presents a case study designed to help intermediate and advanced students or trainees to adapt traditional instructional design procedures to "real-world" training situations. Scenarios involving a video production company and interactive video are described; and learning outcomes are discussed, including conducting a needs assessment,…