Explores techniques for creating cohesive active learning communities in which information can be linked to real-world experiences. Discusses four types of interactions that take place in distance learning environments: learner-content, learner-instructor, learner-learner, and learner-interface. Offers strategies for overcoming common barriers to…

Describes the design and development of library instruction for a freshman seminar at California State University-San Bernardino that focused on the library's online system. Highlights include active learning methods; information literacy; individual instruction; and results of course evaluations. (Author/LRW)

Explains the use of instructional design with a mastery learning strategy (IDML) in teaching mathematics. The IDML model, a combination of other theories including Gagne's instructional events, has been used to improve mathematics instruction in Malaysian schools, and includes developing test items, the teachers' development of learning materials,…

Serving a multicultural population presents a variety of concerns that must be addressed in the design of effective distance-learning programs. The inclusion of diverse cultural perspectives can also give rise to multiple opportunities for innovation. This paper explores concerns and the potential for innovation related to the delivery of distance…

Describes the development of a 3-D virtual environment for secondary school and college physics and chemistry. Discusses individual learning styles; the effectiveness of visual stimuli in science education; implications of visual learning in designing instruction for differences in learning styles; and conceptual understanding. (LRW)

The article presents an instrument to help identify teachers' current teaching styles to encourage teachers to utilize teaching styles responsive to individual students' learning styles. The inventory assesses instructional planning; teaching methods; teaching environment (student groupings, room design, and learning environment); and evaluation…

Describes a study of college students that was conducted to investigate the effect of two review strategies on the recall of information from an interactive video program. Treatments for the active review group, the passive review group, and the control group are described. Recall posttests and amount of time required to complete the instruction…

Describes the implementation and field testing of PsychWare, a courseware package for introductory psychology developed and field tested at New York Institute of Technology. Highlights include the courseware package (10 software programs, a faculty manual, and a student workbook), and instructional design features (simulations, real-time…

Discusses the role of the media specialist as a consultant in the area of instructional design and the importance of understanding and support from school principals to effectively carry out this role. The implications for flexible media center scheduling, team teaching approaches, library personnel selection, and the use of information…

Reports on a study of university students that evaluated presentation styles in computer-assisted learning (CAL) and computer-based training (CBT) programs. Monochrome and colored textual presentations are compared, differences between computer-naive and computer-literate users are explored, and implications for the design of CAL and CBT programs…

Discusses reasons for failure in open learning, describes areas that can adversely affect student performance, and suggests possible corrective actions. Highlights include validation, or developmental testing, of courseware; the climate for learning; the role of local instructors; consequences of success or failure; course design; learning style…

Examines the visions for the redesign of schools and the ways in which computers and communications technology have provided the means for these visions. Highlights include changes in instructional practices, including collaborative learning and interdisciplinary themes; change agents in the redesign of schools; and school organization and…

Discusses uses of technology in distance education and describes a study of college graduate students that illustrated the effects of two different instructional delivery technologies on the nature of interaction in online education systems: one used a synchronous video link-up and one used an asynchronous computer-mediated communication system.…

Discussion of the educational needs of students who are both gifted and learning disabled focuses on terminology, definitions, characteristics, identification, and instructional programming. A study showing the effectiveness of systematic direct instruction in small groups for this population is summarized. (DB)

Describes a collaborative instructional design project between the University of Alberta (Canada) and the Edmonton public schools. The project designed and produced an interactive videodisc on questioning strategies in the classroom for preservice and inservice teachers. Examines the role of conversation between collaborators while they were…