Describes confluent presentation strategy (CPS) (i.e., a philosophy for developing student-centered, user/computer interfaces) and discusses its use to minimize student disorientation when using interactive computer-based training programs. Instructional design for computer interfaces and navigation are discussed, and an example of a CD-ROM that…

Describes Nova Southeastern University's program in Instructional Technology and Distance Education (ITDE) that was developed for graduate students. Highlights include the cluster concept, and face to face instruction combined with a wide variety of distance education technologies that include videoconferencing, the Internet, and online courses.…

Offers a synopsis of M. Beatty and J. McCroskey's 1998 reconceptualization of communication apprehension via the communibiological paradigm. Examines possible treatment implications of this model of communication anxiety for teachers of speech communication, particularly of public speaking. Advances pedagogical strategies, based upon the premise…

Notes that secondary English teachers must negotiate between using standard professional discourse and the sub-discourse used within a particular school or school district. Suggests strategies to use to help future teachers negotiate between the two. (NH)

Details myths that illustrate novice instructional designers' perspectives on usability sessions and their users. Then offers suggestions for integrating creativity and developing enhanced perspective-taking. Two tables list the myths and guidelines, and potential effects of usability-session guidelines on novice designers' myths are charted. (AEF)

Provides instructional developers' (ID) insights and observations based on the experiences of a training and development organization, Sprint's University of Excellence (UE), as it evolved from a small group of 20-25 individuals in 1990 to a large business unit comprising almost 400 individuals in 1999. Discussion includes course development…

Offers a framework for culturally inclusive pedagogy that can be applied to online environments. Proposes a theoretically grounded framework linking culturally inclusive learning with curriculum and assessment design, using the principle of constructive alignment so that instruction is flexible and relevant to students from a diverse range of…

The goal of this chapter is to outline a theoretical and empirical perspective on how learners' conceptions of educational technology might influence their learning activities and thereby determine the power of computer-based learning environments. Starting with an introduction to the concept of powerful learning environments we outline how recent…

This paper introduces a recently developed e-learning design and development tool called Learning Designer[TM] (version 1.0). Learning Designer assists learning designers and developers to build e-learning courses with Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) compliant learning objects using decision-making aids and recommended templates…

Visual representations are essential for communicating ideas in the science classroom; however, the design of such representations is not always beneficial for learners. This paper presents instructional design considerations providing empirical evidence and integrating theoretical concepts related to cognitive load. Learners have a limited…

Although researchers have clearly connected dropping out of school to prolonged low achievement, to date, effective teaching practices are largely absent from the milieu of interventions and programs that are employed by schools to address dropout prevention. As such, effective instructional design and delivery as a focus for keeping students with…

Beginning reading software programs may be one way to provide at-risk readers the additional instruction and practice they need to attain grade-level expectations. Criteria such as interface design, instructional design, and beginning reading content (phonological awareness and alphabetic understanding) are all important considerations when…

In this paper, the author presents his arguments to Fox's premise that functional contextualism has an implications for designing instruction. Fox argues that functional contextualism is an alternative to constructivism because constructivism has not empirically demonstrated its effectiveness. However, the author finds this assertion troubling for…

Over the last decade, individuals have witnessed an increasing proliferation of online learning as the hallmark of learning with technologies. Papers and books have been written stipulating how online or e-learning can transform the educational process and now, even the organizational workplace. Such prospects are recognized and institutions and…

This study examined the influence of scaffolding on the development of critical thinking skills in an online course on Instructional Design. Data were collected through interviews and document artifacts from five participants of the online course. Findings indicated that participants' critical thinking moved through three stages from mirroring, to…