This decision tool presents a progression of data collection and decision-making strategies that can increase the effectiveness of distance-based or distributed learning instruction. A narrative and flow chart cover the following steps: (1) basic assumptions, including purpose of instruction, market scan, and financial resources; (2) needs…

In light of recent trends to serve gifted students in regular classrooms, this paper reviews a variety of cost effective options for meeting the needs of gifted students. It notes effects of the inclusion philosophy which encourages education of all students in regular education classrooms, a lack of funds for special programs for gifted students,…

In the 1970s, German academic libraries discovered user education as a new area of responsibilities, although promising activities at the end of the decade were not continued because of the lack of staff and organizational conditions. Since the beginning of the 1990s, activities in that field have been renewed, especially by large academic…

This book provides a series of proven, practical guidelines for using technology in education, giving the reader an overview of how technological applications in education can be harnessed and developed. The book presents an integrated vision of how technology is related to learning-related change, and how current and emerging experiences can…

This paper presents strategies and rationales for implementing certain instructional techniques to move a class from cohort to community. The context is the new Distance Master's program in Instructional Systems Technology at Indiana University. The authors give suggestions for instructional and non-instructional strategies that have students…

Med-Start is a 5-week program that encourages rural, minority, and economically disadvantaged high school seniors throughout Arizona to pursue careers in the health professions. In order to assist these students in making the transition from high school to college and then to professional school, Med-Start provides academic coursework and seeks to…

This book offers guidelines for elementary school teachers for making adaptations in reading and mathematics instruction for students with mild disabilities in the general education classroom. Following an introductory chapter, Chapter 1 presents eight principles for materials adaption organized according to the acronym FLEXIBLE: F-feasible…

This paper outlines key features of good distance education, drawing upon principles for good practice in undergraduate education and recorded experiences with distance learning programs in a number of content areas. The first section defines distance education and provides a historical perspective. Five interrelated phenomena that have…

To meet the challenges of a rapidly-growing student population, a desire to increase student retention and success rates, a shortage of classroom space, and the need to maintain quality educational opportunities for students, the University of Central Florida (UCF) is strategically employing distributed learning. In three years, UCF has progressed…

Learner-centered software design (LCSD) guides the design of tasks, tools, and interfaces in order to support the unique needs of learners: growth, diversity and motivation. This paper presents a framework for LCSD and describes a case study of its application to the ScienceWare Model-It, a learner-centered tool to support scientific modeling and…

The field of early childhood education has long been marked by intense controversy concerning appropriate curriculum and teaching methods and goals. This paper explores some implications of the traditional dichotomies of the field and suggests that while there are many reasons to resist the side that advocates formal academic instruction, it does…

This study analyzed the growing body of research on self regulation and the distinctive self regulation differences between higher and lower achieving adult learners to identify instructional principles to infuse compensatory support for weak self regulation. The following four principles are proposed: (1) prepare--the instruction should encourage…

This position paper presents the STAIRS model for overcoming barriers to teachers as they implement and integrate instructional technology in science classrooms. There are many barriers for teachers in the integration of this technology which include time to learn how to use the technology, adequate hands-on staff development opportunities,…

An instructional systems approach to learning draws on principles of instructional design and development but also draws from theories such as behaviorism, information processing, cognitive theory, adult education, and systems theory among others. This paper focuses on how instructional designers can benefit from awareness of different adult…

The use of the World Wide Web for promoting learning provides great potential for both students and faculty. Using both synchronous and asynchronous interactions permits the professors and the students to maximize their time together and utilize their individual learning and presentation skills in a collaborative effort that yields substantial…