Examines four types of educational computer software promoting children's learning experiences--drill and practice, tutorial, simulation, games--noting characteristics and strengths and/or weaknesses of each. The LOGO computer language designed to teach mathematical concepts, logical thinking, and computer programing is discussed. Sixteen sources…

This paper identifies projects that have successfully applied the systems approach to instructional design and points to situations where that approach may be inappropriate. A method which relies on strict sequencing of objectives and means may not be easily adaptable for individualized programs in which means and ends emerge from instructional…

Suggest some ways in which computer assisted instruction can be designed to help freshman college students learn the conventions and grammatical forms of standard written English. Some specific instructional design considerations are discussed and the advantages of computer assisted instruction are outlined. Six figures and a reference list are…

Surveyed 296 Illinois environmental educators on effectiveness of instructional strategies in environmental education and how often a given strategy is used. Results of questionnaires (117 returned) indicate that teachers tend to use less effective methods (lecture, teacher-led discussions) rather than those they consider more effective (inquiry,…

The origins of and competencies necessary for systematic instructional design are identified as background for a discussion of selected approaches to designing instruction. A distinction is made between the professional instructional developer and individuals designing instruction who have limited knowledge, training, experience, and resources.…

A quantitative theory of teaching suggests that more teaching leads to more learning. Supplementing this is a qualitative theory of teaching, suggesting that learning is largely unafffected by the form of teaching. Four approaches accounting for the qualitative principle of teaching are discussed, including implications for science curriculum and…

Presents findings from study of design activities among 26 novice instructional designers which investigated prevalence of initial generation of more than one design solution; basis on which solutions are accepted or rejected; constraints encountered in proceeding with design; way in which designers know design is finished. Twelve references are…

Defines and describes project-based learning (activity in which students develop understanding of topic through involvement in actual problem or issue) and notes models of project work (project exercise, project component, and project orientation); dimensions; philosophical and psychological bases; and implications of project-based learning.…

Describes use of the videocassette recorder (VCR) in art education to show single or moving abstract images for their own artistic worth. Use of the VCR with a microcomputer, use of the VCR alone, and suggested activities are included. (EJS)

Describes the design of an interactive videodisc on the heart and circulatory system for use by upper elementary school children, the format of the videodisc, special use of audiovisual materials, motion picture film segments, still frames, and interactive testing. The preparation of a user's manual is also described. (EAO)

Suggest use of well-organized slide presentation as effective way to introduce computers to large audiences and discusses how to get started--state objective, analyze audience, outline presentation, prepare slides--and equipment needed to obtain slides from television screens, miniature components, and book illustrations. References and sources…

Examines the influences of behaviorist psychology on performance and instruction technologies. The basic assumptions of behaviorism are outlined, reinforcing contingencies are reviewed, conditioning is described, and such specific topics as stimulus control, behavior chaining, and successive approximation are discussed. (Author/JL)

Tests the effect of developmental level objectives on student achievement and efficiency in a zoology course. These objectives were found to have no significant effect on achievement, but they did significantly increase student efficiency in learning the content material of the module. (Author)

Reviews four different approaches to evaluation--decision-oriented, applied research, value-oriented, and systems-oriented--and suggests how each may be applied to the evaluation of instructional programs. Nine references are listed. (Author/CHC)

Discusses what is known about programed instruction as that knowledge relates to the avoidance of planning and design errors which limit the effectiveness of instructional programs. A 17-item reference list accompanies the text. (Author/JL)