Discusses two tools necessary for the successful practice of human performance technology: gathering data and interpreting data. The focus is on what data to gather, how to gather it, and how to interpret the data. (Author/JKP)

Discussion of educational systems design describes four systems levels that can be emphasized: learning experience, instructional, administration, and governance levels. Factors to be considered in selecting a focus level and the implications of focusing on the learning experience level are discussed; and a table comparing instructional and…

Describes implementation of a word processor in an elementary school, focusing on instructional strategies used with learning-disabled students aged 7-13. Objectives, materials, activities, evaluation, and rewards are summarized for six modules covering hardware, disk care, software, initializing and saving on disk, word processing modes, and…

Reviews commonly held perceptions about distance education, beginning with historical biases and including current thinking regarding technology integration. A self-administered test is included that is designed to encourage discussion about opinions that people have regarding the impact of distance education on teachers, students, instruction,…

Presents a decision model for multimedia design that includes eight components: needs and goals, learner characteristics, topics/tasks, objectives, performance assessment, instructional activities, media/delivery systems, and resources. A checklist for multimedia design and a project task timeline are included. Potential impacts of multimedia on…

Discusses the use of technology in teacher education programs that are concerned with preparing students for a rapidly changing society. The distinction between preparing teachers to use technology and using technology to prepare teachers is emphasized, and distinctions between training and learning are discussed. (27 references) (LRW)

Describes the application of a macro theory of instructional design, Reigeluth's Elaboration Theory of Instruction, to the development of bibliographic instruction for a college-level introductory English course. The relationship of Elaboration Theory to micro-level Component Display Theory is also discussed. (three references) (LRW)

Key components of effective adaptation of training for other cultures are a model, modularized courses, and a trainer's manual. Other tips include avoiding humor, slang, idioms, and jargon; including references to local culture; and avoiding nonverbal behavior that may be misinterpreted. (SK)

Most training is evaluated at the level of trainee reaction and some at the level of learning but very little at the level of behavior and results. Three methods for identifying evaluation criteria for these levels are cost-benefit analysis, impact analysis, and total quality management. (SK)

A project to improve health professionals' education focused on changing the academic/institutional context by resolving problems in developing clinical teaching and on changing the social context through university-community collaboration and collection of information about community health needs. (SK)

Examines the relationship of instructional designers and content experts and suggests methods to make these relationships more successful, including simplifying language to eliminate jargon; emphasizing the benefits of instructional design involvement; and focusing on interpersonal communication skills. Four sample scripts for instructional…

Advocates treating at-risk learners as all learners are treated to improve the chances of helping these learners become successful. Discusses organizing instruction, focusing on concepts, stimulating higher-order thinking, and using content area resources effectively. (SR)

Discusses instructional design and describes the development of a support system for course design called AGD (French acronym for Didactic Engineering Workbench). Highlights include categories of computer tools that support course design, including computer-assisted instruction, instructional design expert systems, and job aids; knowledge modeling…

Discusses the link between testing and the content of instruction and proposes a method for generating large numbers of objective-relevant test items for instructional programs in high schools, higher education, and training situations. Higher level thinking outcomes are discussed, item sets are described, and generic scenarios and questioning are…

Motivation theories may be applied in educational contexts to improve student attitudes and learning achievement. Keller's ARCS Model of Motivational Design stresses attention, relevance, satisfaction, and confidence. Attention and relevance make instruction stimulating, whereas satisfaction and confidence create positive expectations. Through…