Discusses design requirements, and advantages and disadvantages of the following learner-centered instructional development tools: information containers; authoring systems; templates, models, or widgets; learning-oriented instructional development tools; and adaptive learning-oriented systems. (AEF)

Provides practical ideas for "raising the bar" on student, technology-rich projects as teachers and learners work together to transform the learning environment. Explores levels of complexity in student products and determines what is realistic in terms of matching standards and activities with time and resources. (Author/AEF)

Presents the case that evaluation is an essential element of successful distance education programs. Uses a synthesis of the program evaluation and distance education research literature to form a framework for conducting evaluations of online programs. Evaluators should assess student performance, determine program and cost effectiveness, monitor…

This qualitative study details four elementary/middle school-level teachers' perceptions of external factors which tended to support or interfere with their initial efforts to implement a process writing approach. These factors included the building administrators, other teachers, state and local mandates, and student response to the innovation.…

Examines whether traditionally negative student attitudes toward social studies can be improved by particular teaching practices. Finds that teaching style seemed the crucial factor in the ability of an observed teacher to improve sixth grade student attitudes toward social studies. Includes two tables of research data. (DB)

Describes computer systems that combine drill and practice instruction with computer-managed instruction (CMI) and identifies system characteristics in four categories: (1) hardware, (2) software, (3) management systems, and (4) methods of daily operation. Topics discussed include microcomputer networks, graphics, feedback, degree of learner…

Discusses educational developers, their role in the preparation and delivery of distance education courses, and their interaction with teachers. Highlights include theories of educational development; a systems approach to educational technology; curriculum planning; setting educational objectives; designing instruction; and student assessment and…

Described is an integrated science program at Northwestern University, a graduate school preparatory curriculum that offers talented students a concentration of sciences at an accelerated pace. Provided is a suggested three-year integrated science curriculum. (MVL)

Discusses the problematic aspects of English as a second language curriculum development and implementation in the prison setting and focuses on the administrative, socio-affective, and methodological difficulties instructors/developers face. Topics discussed include student motivation, student educational background, classroom atmosphere, and…

Describes the development of an interactive videodisc in a graduate course at the University of Iowa. Procedures in an instructional development model are explained, time and cost factors in the design and development of interactive video are discussed, and guidelines are presented for interactive video production. (Author/LRW)

Describes the design and development of a computer simulation and accompanying software to teach the scaleup of chemical processes to chemical engineering students at Penn State. Collaboration on the instructional development team is described, software modules are explained, and students' evaluations of the system are reported. (LRW)

Interviews, classroom observations, teacher reflections, and surveys were used to investigate 12 general education teachers' (elementary through high school) preplanning, interactive planning, and postplanning activities. Elementary teachers did more planning to include the needs of diverse students and collaborated more with special education…

Emphasizes importance of educational technology in classrooms and presents action plan to utilize technology to improve American education. Identifies obstacles preventing utilization of technology to its fullest potential. Highlights leadership efforts of federal government to develop teachers' professional skills with new technologies. Suggests…

This article presents four case studies of extreme mathematical precocity in two boys and two girls. Problems in providing appropriately challenging instruction for these children are noted. The article concludes with 11 recommendations for programming for exceptionally talented students. (DB)

Discussion of the application of instructional systems design principles in public education focuses on a study that examined and compared the thinking of preservice teachers, experienced teachers, and experienced instructional designers about instructional planning. Responses to scenarios describing typical student comments reflecting problems…