Describes a study that utilized a magnitude scaling approach to determine graduate students' perceptions of the relationship of 35 instructional attribute terms to the 4 motivational conditions from Keller's ARCS (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction) Model of Motivational Design. (29 references) (LRW)

Four experiments supported the hypothesis that, when learning to use equipment such as computers, if the material to be learned has an intrinsically high degree of interaction between elements, then learning might be facilitated by not having the equipment present. Thus, an analysis of intrinsic and extraneous cognitive load can lead to…

Reports on studies that analyze the impact of microcomputers in schools on student achievement as compared to more traditional methods, and explores research that relates student achievement to software design, learner characteristics, and instructional decisions on technology implementation. (17 references) (MAB)

Discusses thinking skills for college students and describes strategies that can be used by faculty to teach thinking skills in distance education courses. Criteria for teaching thinking skills to distance learners are suggested, and methods are presented for teaching problem solving, how to evaluate information, and decision making. (10…

Describes efforts by the Motorola Training and Education Center (MTEC) to develop and implement a model for applying the concepts of quality/continuous improvement to the design of courseware. MTEC's role as change agent is discussed; the use of an instructional systems design model is explained; and problems are identified. (LRW)

The ability of children to solve measurement problems was studied in 2 experiments with 190 children aged 6 through 10 years in Oxford (England). Results suggest that in designing instruction both conceptual difficulties and difficulties that relate to particular measurement practice must be studied. The role of culturally transmitted measurement…

Notes that there is an increased emphasis on moving away from instructional support models that pull mainstreamed handicapped children out from their classroom during the school day. Discusses three approaches--in-class instructional support, extended schooling, and schoolwide restructuring--that are among the most frequently selected…

A guide to development of effective computer-assisted instruction outlines four essential phases (planning, design, execution, and distribution), with specific activities to occur in each phase. In addition, frequent internal review is seen as critical to effective application. (MSE)

Development of validated terminal performance objectives for provision of oral health in a pharmacy curriculum is described. Following a systems approach to instructional development, an interdisciplinary committee set instructional goals, then wrote performance objectives of sufficient scope and rigor to be useful for design of didactic courses…

Discusses changes in models of education and teaching that affect the roles of educational technologists. A review of schooling models of the past, present, and future emphasizes a shift from traditional teacher and student roles to more democratic, individualized instruction; and McBeath's transformational model for change is considered. (15…

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,…

Describes the Instructional Design Environment (IDE), a hypermedia system for designing and developing instructional material, including texts, interactive video disks, and intelligent tutoring systems. Highlights include the problem-solving nature of instructional design; other computer-based systems for instructional design; and the use of IDE…

Considers issues that need to be addressed when incorporating audio in courseware design. Topics discussed include functions of audio in courseware; the relationship between auditive and visual information; learner characteristics in relation to audio; events of instruction; and audio characteristics, including interactivity and speech technology.…

Describes problems associated with teaching a multigraded social studies class. Relates an apocryphal story about how one teacher used innovative practices in a multigraded class but aroused administrative ire. Questions whether scores on achievement tests are more important than critical-thinking and decision-making skills. (CFR)

Increasingly, college faculty trained in instructional design using advanced technology are providing full-time support to other faculty members, blending expertise in academic computing and college teaching. Most faculty do not have time or the skills needed to experiment with the World Wide Web, complex courseware, streaming video, or online…