Discusses criteria for good assessment practices derived from research-based models in cognitive psychology and expert-novice studies. Describes an assessment system for a problem-based curriculum in economics and business administration at the University of Maastricht (Netherlands), reports on a study of improving assessment practices, and…

Discusses instructional design for distance education and suggests a systematic process. Topics include planning; learners; course content; teaching strategies; selection of media; learning environments; technology; resources; and evaluation, including learner assessment and instruction evaluation. (LRW)

Provides general design suggestions for developing a Web-based online course for distance education in higher education. Highlights include faculty training and preparation; course structure; course outline for students; weekly modules; fostering a community of learners; required papers; and testing. (LRW)

Discusses the design of an innovative learning system that uses new technologies for the man-machine interface, incorporating a combination of Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) and Text To Speech (TTS) synthesis. Highlights include using speech technologies to mimic the attributes of the ideal tutor and design features. (AEF)

Reports research on ways in which university academics design and incorporate computer-facilitated learning (CFL) environments into their courses. The study was based on archive material for 36 externally-funded technology-based projects. Projects were sorted into categories based on educational assumptions and practices, and use of educational…

This study involved a content analysis of the transition goals of 136 students (mean age 17) with mental retardation for those which addressed skills related to self-determination. Results indicated very limited emphasis on such skills. Discussion focuses on the need to provide systematic instruction in elements of self-determination to students…

This purpose of this study was to assist an instructor in facilitating an online course while the class was being offered, and to provide timely interventions for improving the course during the semester. Instructional interventions were suggested and an overall evaluation was conducted. The approach, findings, and recommendations have…

Shows how the instructional design process can assist in developing a Web-based distance teacher education course, based on the development of a Web-based course for teachers of language minority learners. Topics include audience needs analysis, establishing instructional goals, and formative evaluation and revision. (Author/LRW)

Examines the pedagogical beliefs and teaching practices of 17 exemplary technology-using teachers. Findings suggest exemplary technology use, as perceived and practiced by teachers, does not readily match descriptions of best practice provided in the literature. Rather, exemplary use reflects teachers' personal beliefs about teaching and learning…

The case study is an excellent method for teaching and assessing students' knowledge and skills. Using two examples, we present a step-by-step approach for analyzing cases and evaluating students. The advantages and disadvantages of using cases are discussed and methods for identifying cases are presented.

An analysis of an introductory multimedia production course for preservice instructional design professionals was conducted at a large Midwestern university to determine if and how students' attitudes toward instructional media production was affected as a result of taking the course. Data was collected from the students and instructors in the…

Student self-beliefs can impact their attention and learning processes and have been considered in instructional design theories and models. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between self-beliefs and mathematics achievement of adolescent students in Japan. Students included in these analyses were from the Third…

This article reviews and critiques the concept of "community of practice" (CoP), and analyzes its relevance for democratic citizenship education in secondary social studies. The authors discuss the origins of the CoP concept in the work of Lave and Wenger (1991), trace its usage in recent educational scholarship, and outline its conceptual…

In the early days of online courses, a widespread production model was to provide faculty members with release time and/or stipends in return for developing and delivering their own courses. These early online courses were developed by a cadre of faculty "zealots" who believed that information technology could transform learning. Such faculty…

This manuscript documents a year-long descriptive case study of preservice teachers specializing in reading. The objectives of this study were to (a) better understand the development of literacy beliefs and change processes in preservice teachers with reading specializations engaged in the final year of their field-based teacher education…