The R2D2 method--read, reflect, display, and do--is a new model for designing and delivering distance education, and in particular, online learning. Such a model is especially important to address the diverse preferences of online learners of varied generations and varied Internet familiarity. Four quadrants can be utilized separately or as part…

Though distance education can be a different educational experience from more traditional classroom instruction, it is, nonetheless, founded in instructional systems design (ISD). As such, the creation of effective distance courses should be based on a theoretical model that takes into account considerations specific to distributed learning…

This essay is written in direct response to Barajas' and Higbee's (2003) call to treat Univer sal Instructional Design (UID) as part of a multicultural educational project. I contend that inclusivity and the use of UID should be combined with the political project of Critical Pedagogy (CP). In so doing, inclusivity will not reproduce the relations…

A popular freshman social science survey course, Introductory Psychology, serves to illustrate one application of Universal Instructional Design (UID) principles. A seven-step lesson planning process is used to teach a unit on personality theories. Multiple modes of representation allow students multiple means of expression, and provide students…

Specialists in curriculum, instruction, and assessment typically work with colleagues in their own field. It is argued that such isolationism is educationally harmful, especially during today's era of heightened accountability for educators. To diminish excessive specialization by curriculum, instruction, and assessment personnel, amelioration…

The thesis of this article is that teaching practices that foster independent, academically effective approaches to learning, self-regulated learning (SRL), in the general population of students can be used effectively to include students with learning difficulties/disabilities in general education classrooms. First, I describe features of…

"Real" science is about formulating and trying to solve practical and conceptual problems on the basis of shared beliefs about the world. Scientists build theories and test hypotheses by observation and experiment. They try their best to eliminate personal bias, and are "extremely canny in their acceptance of the claims of others" (Ziman, 2000).…

E-learning is becoming a major component in academia today. Therefore, the success of e-learning online communities is crucial in order to ensure their permanency and effectiveness. There is a need for formalized guidelines in e-learning that instruct the designer (course instructor) on how to design, maintain, and manage a course. Some research…

Designing effective instruction is the goal of any instructional designer. This article discusses how lesson design can be enhanced by incorporating certain fundamentals of cognitive psychology. The stages of human information processing and a typical four-step lesson are integrated in a model that can inform instructional design. (Contains 1…

Undergraduate students often memorize a keyword or definition for an exam without a deeper understanding or the ability to apply the meaning of the concept. While using examples during a lecture may help, the combination of movies and verbal review has been shown to be a valuable instructional tool, increasing recall (Elischberger & Roebers, 2001)…

Hybrid courses offer students a chance to know each other in both structured and unstructured situations, which is often difficult in a totally online distance course. The hybrid method also allows for elasticity in scheduling that is not possible in a strictly on-campus course. The on-campus sessions and face-to-face meeting features of hybrid…

In America's Lab Report: Investigations in High School Science, a National Research Council (NRC) committee found that labs have the potential to help students master science subject matter, develop scientific reasoning skills, increase interest in science, and achieve other important science learning goals. High school graduates who attain these…

The heterogeneous nature of learning disabilities has led to confusion regarding their definition and their intervention. Although the law protects adults with learning disabilities both in the workplace and classroom, it provides only a broad definition that has been subject to many interpretations. There is a paucity of longitudinal research on…

We present a conceptual framework for scaffolding ill-structured problem-solving processes using question prompts and peer interactions. We first examine the characteristics and processes of ill-structured problem solving, namely, problem representation, generating solutions, making justifications, and monitoring and evaluation. Then, we analyze…

Motivation can be identified as a dimension that determines learning success and causes the high dropout rate among online learners, especially in complex e-learning environments. It is argued that these learning environments represent a new challenge to cognitive load researchers to investigate the motivational effects of instructional conditions…