Describes the development of the Young People's Library in Las Vegas (Nevada) as a symbolic and literal bridge to the Lied Discovery Children's Museum. The roles in the design process of library administration, library personnel, and the architect are explored, and how this project addressed differences between the architect's artistic vision and…

Describes generative learning environments for teaching mathematical problem solving that were developed at the Vanderbilt University Learning Technology Center. The theoretical framework is discussed; design principles are explained, including a video-based presentation format; and the use of videodisc and hypermedia is discussed. (37 references)…

Discussion of speech recognition technology and its use in computer-assisted instruction focuses on prototype systems designed for medical education. Commercial speech recognition systems are described, hardware and software requirements are examined, and the use of a speech recognition system to streamline an existing user interface is discussed.…

Discusses meeting ADA guidelines when purchasing permanent signs for schools. Provides ADA guidelines and discusses the use of raised characters and braille. Notes that ADA guidelines are not the same thing as building codes; noncompliance is enforced through the Justice Department. (GR)

Discusses the contingency approach to organizational design, information processing as a critical contingent of design, and use of organismic and mechanistic structures within an independent merchant bank. Proposes that a more appropriate model is needed which takes into account the changing nature of information processing and is flexible enough…

Designing the instructional interface is a challenging endeavor requiring knowledge and skills in instructional and visual design, psychology, human-factors, ergonomic research, computer science, and editorial design. This paper describes the instructional interface, the challenges of its development, and an instructional systems approach to its…

Explores changing curricular designs and the differences between traditional and authentic learning. Identifies significant design features of authentic design, and provides examples of these features with instructional units. (AEF)

Examines the past and projects the future path of instructional design (ID). Discusses teacher cognition; common elements in instructional activities and teachers and designers; ID models and teacher planning; instructional design perspectives; and the need to bridge the gap between instructional design theory and the practice of teaching.…

Describes an approach to teaching students a basic design process for routine business documents like memos, letters, and reports. Outlines the design principles of HATS (Headings, Access, Typography, and Spacing), how they apply in before-and-after fashion to various documents, and discusses an assignment in which students redesign an existing…

Discusses the impact current educational reforms and new teaching styles are having on school design and the themes and trends that are emerging in designs for 2001. Design themes discussed are prototype schools, multistory elementary schools, learning environments and extended learning areas, and vocational education integration. (GR)

Discusses making the World Wide Web accessible to people with physical disabilities. Includes Web site design; text alternatives for graphic elements; Web sites that help construct accessible Web pages; software packages to improve accessibility; accessible electronic resources in libraries; and the Americans with Disabilities Act and standards…

Surveys existing efforts at using the World Wide Web for instructional purposes, points out innovative uses of the Web, and suggests ways for instructors and developers to optimize the design of instructional sites to better serve users. Mistakes to avoid are discussed, and addresses of 13 instructional sites are provided. (Author/LRW)

Discusses acoustical demands in public libraries to consider during the design and construction process of new or renovated library space. Topics include intrusive noises; overly reverberant spaces; lack of speech privacy; sound transmission class; noise criteria; reverberation time and noise reduction coefficient; space planning; sound systems;…

Explores the potential utility of design principles and the design studio for enacting information infrastructures essential for individuals and communities to thrive in the knowledge economy. The proposed approach, Digital Places Design, furnishes those engaged in planning and managing telecommunications infrastructure with a tool to realize…

Using focus groups and individual interviews, student teachers' perspectives on their program's design and delivery were examined. Data analysis using constant comparison revealed a set of 10 essential elements for effective teacher education programs: diverse student bodies, effective program faculty, useful curricula and pedagogy, theory into…