The purpose of this study was to: identify critical characteristics of a situated learning environment from the extensive literature base on the subject; operationalize the critical characteristics of a situated learning environment by designing a multimedia program that incorporated the identified characteristics; and investigate university…

Analyzes the differential skills and competencies required of faculty teaching distance education courses via the World Wide Web. The faculty perceptions of needed skills and competencies varied greatly and were found to be primarily influenced by their prior knowledge of instructional design strategies and distance education theories. Survey…

Discusses types of computer-based reading environments, reader interfaces, principles for designing reader interfaces, and beliefs about computer use in reading. Considers multimedia and virtual-reading environments as two highly potential delivery methods. Suggests that rationales, design models, and real examples are needed for guiding…

Presents a response to David Solomon's paper "Toward a Post-Modern Agenda in Instructional Technology" (issue 48 number 4 page 5 of "Educational Technology Research and Development"), by offering an example of how postmodern perspectives can be used in instructional technology research and development. (Contains 43 references.) (AEF)

Focuses on creating extrinsic motivational techniques to complement the intrinsic needs of online learners. Discusses key points to focus on during the needs analysis stage for online instruction; strategies to create and maintain motivation during the course; motivational strategies to improve transfer of training back to the workplace after the…

Discusses electronic learning and considers lessons to be learned from the history of distance education. Topics include pedagogical issues; video-based distance learning; telecourses; the Internet; Web courses; high costs of developing online courses, versus licensing already developed courses; instructional design, bandwidth, and student support…

Outlines and discusses the design and evaluation of a University of Southern Queensland (Australia) graduate study program in open- and distance learning, accessible exclusively via the Internet. Highlights instruction versus facilitation, learning environment, computer-mediated communication, student projects, and practice-based reflection in a…

Examines the learning profiles of students in political science courses at a private liberal arts college. Using the Kolb Learning Style Model, demonstrates that students in political science courses use a variety of learning styles. Suggests that instructors expand their teaching methods to address a broader number of learning styles. (DSK)

Describes a collaborative instructional design project in a university course using constructivist theory, exploratory and resource-based learning, electronic communities, and integrated information technology immersion. Discusses collaboration between teaching and library faculty, learning outcomes for students and faculty, and future…

Discusses a common misunderstanding demonstrated by many students in basic mathematics courses: not knowing how to properly "cancel" factors in simplifying mathematical equations. Asserts that "crossing-out" or "canceling" is not a valid mathematical operation, and that instructors should be wary about using these terms because of the ease with…

Describes characteristics of effective and enjoyable learning activities, that can be grouped into these categories: (1) Assignments that Matter; (2) Activities that Involve the Researcher; (3) Assessments that Help By Promoting Growth and Showing Care; and (4) (Teacher) Attitude is Everything. A sidebar presents a four-level research question…

Textbooks and learning material for various Grade 10 subjects that were produced by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), the National Open University (NOS) and books from a private publisher were analyzed using the following criteria: objectives, presentation, evaluation, layout, and production. Results revealed that…

Suggests three main reasons for incorporating a global dimension in teacher education. Provides and incorporates principles to inform the development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in curriculum design, and illustrates ways in which teacher educators can proceed. Includes a creative project to facilitate preparing teachers'…

Presents exploratory individual, group, and organizational learning instructional systems development (ISD) models based on four conditions: integration of the questions of what and why in instruction and learning; reflection of impacts of environmental factors; non-linear and flexible instructional processes; and future-centeredness in…

Discusses self-instructional programs on library use in large academic libraries and recommends including opportunities for face-to-face interaction with subject specialist librarians. Topics include behavioral objectives; experiences at Brigham Young University; the use of Web sites; distance learning; electronic classrooms; and theories of…