Describes experiences and concerns of instructors using the Instructional Television Fixed Signal (ITFS) program, a low-cost television system in which classes originating on the University of South Florida Lakeland campus are simultaneously broadcast live to various ITFS sites. Presents guidelines for distance learning regarding planning,…

Expands the debate over the conflicts between cognitive theory and situated learning from theoretical considerations, to include concerns of educators engaged in classroom-based research and instructional design in collaboration with teachers. Considers the treatments of meaning and instructional goals from the perspectives of cognitive theory and…

Considers the nature of distance education, its students and costs, and presents specific ways in which computers and computer-assisted language learning (CALL) can help remedy some of the difficulties faced by the distance learner of a language. Discusses the design consideration for CALL. (Author/AEF)

Presents a student module modeling knowledge states and learning skills of students in the field of Newtonian dynamics. Uses data recorded during the exploratory activity in microworlds to infer mental representations concerning the concept of force. A fuzzy algorithm able to follow the cognitive states the student goes through in solving a task…

Questions the suitability of instructional design as a framework for educational development; proposes action research (collaboration, participation, democratic decision making, critical self examination) as an alternative approach; and presents the Action Learning Project (Hong Kong) as an example of how action research can be put into practice.…

Describes the role of the instructional designer in working with professors to translate their traditional courses and favorite teaching techniques into an online format. Examples are from the World Campus program, which pairs instructional designers at various institutions (such as Pennsylvania State University) with faculty members. (DB)

Discusses Web-based learning, also referred to as distributed learning, and outlines eight areas that are part of a framework to use to design successful Web learning environments. Includes pedagogical issues, technological factors, interface design, evaluation, management, resource support, ethical issues, and institutional considerations. (LRW)

Provides a structural definition of interactivity in instruction, with the goal of describing and delimiting a broad and general process. Examines the four major attributes to the concept of interactivity, and defines four additional variables that arise through the structural study of interaction. Outlines five common patterns that deal with…

Discusses and describes automated instructional design (AID) tools that assist instructional designers and others in creating instructional products to improve learning. Highlights include expert systems; advisory systems; information management systems; electronic performance support systems; and authoring tools for computer-based instruction.…

Provides a profile of the career of John Belland and his work in instructional technology. Highlights include his educational background, teaching experience in higher education, work in learning with 3D computer-generated animation, alternative paradigms of instructional design, and ideas of postmodernism. (LRW)

Discussion of multimedia interactions in distance education synthesizes approaches based on distance education theory, cognition research, and multimedia development. Proposes a composite framework for discussion of multimedia and multimodal interactions in a distance education context, which is based on interactions between the instructor,…

Discussion of distance learning focuses on the SBC Center for Learning that uses two types of video conferencing technology. Describes higher education and corporate learning programs and discusses future plans that will include emerging technologies and new instructional design models. (LRW)

In this preliminary study, three parents who requested outpatient services for treatment of developmentally disabled children's problem behavior were taught to implement multiple treatment components. Therapists employed the most cost-efficient method first (i.e., written and verbal instructions) to teach prescribed behavior management strategies.…

Disagrees with an earlier article in this journal about the dispute among reading-instruction specialists as to how phonics is best taught. Argues for direct and systematic phonics instruction. Presents a response to Groff, agreeing that children need explicit phonics instruction but arguing that an instructional approach that acknowledges the…

Reviews perspectives on closed (nonnetworked) multimedia systems, identifies characteristics of meaningful interactions, and outlines some basic considerations for designers of interactive multimedia instruction. Highlights include active learning environments; learner control; feedback; learner response options; adaptability; and engagement and…