Describes a prototype process for the development of educational multimedia materials, based on the ARKive project in the United Kingdom, which can help educational multimedia software developers produce more coherent and effective learning resources by making explicit the value/belief system on which the project is founded. (Author/LRW)

Describes a theoretical model of stages in the comprehension of a machine from diagrams and accompanying text, and considers the implications of this model for designing hypermedia manuals that explain how machines work. Reports on three experiments with undergraduates that evaluated hypermedia and multimedia manuals based on this model.…

Describes research with college students that investigated commercial game types and game elements to determine what would be suitable for education. Students rated logic, memory, visualization, and problem solving as important game elements that are used to develop a model that links pedagogical issues with game elements. (Author/LRW)

Discusses performance indicators in distance education: micro, macro, and mega indicators as tools for quality assurance; entry and exit indicators, with special reference to open universities in India; and concepts and research within learning materials development, course development and evaluation. (PEN)

Presents a study undertaken to determine what types of visuals are being used for presentations in different business organizations. Discusses findings in terms of: description of respondents; creating and using visual aids for presentations; presentation software used; using special software features; and presenting the visual aids. Includes…

Discusses results of a survey that investigated practices in the design, development, and application of training and education that incorporates interactive hypermedia-based job documents, especially Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals. Military, industry, and higher education practices in traditional, electronic, and virtual classrooms as…

Discusses retention of learning; training methods; maintenance issues; the effect of punishment; reinforcement; the performance environment; transfer of training; forgetting; implications for designers of instructional materials or designers of training programs; and the division between training and on-the-job performance. (LRW)

Discusses the growth and development of international distance education, particularly United States-based distance learning providers selling their programs overseas. Considers the need for more cultural sensitivity, and suggests that government-funded educational development money go to companies who develop materials using local experts in…

This article describes a network among the Commonwealth's 28 smallest countries created to enhance the professional capacity of educators, developing new course materials, and enabling the transfer of courses and qualifications across borders. The focus is on topics such as entrepreneurship, tourism, professional development of educators, life…

This fact sheet summarizes data gathered in the 2009 survey of National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Technological Education (ATE) grant recipients. Conducted by The Evaluation Center at Western Michigan University, this was the tenth annual survey of ATE projects and centers. Included here are statistics about the program's grantees and…

This report describes the development of two sets of videotapes on early tactile signaling and on interactive signing systems to be used with individuals who are deaf-blind. A tactile signal is defined as a touch cue, tactile gesture, and/or action cue, and these motions help to promote communication for the child who is deaf-blind. The process of…

Instructional Design Expert (ID Expert) is a prototype instructional design expert system which supports the instructional design phase of instructional system development. It differs from other instructional design toolkits in that it is built using a knowledge engineering approach, and has been implemented as an expert system. The system…

This one-page consumer education materials evaluation form has been developed as a checklist for developers and users of business-sponsored educational materials. Criteria listed include issues such as target audience, design, and usability as well as objectivity and how the business sponsor is identified. The form is intended to prevent…

This pamphlet presents guidelines that have been developed to help business sponsors make the most effective use of available resources in the development of materials for consumer education and information to help consumers become better decision makers in the marketplace and to become more participatory citizens. The guide outlines the steps…

The use of the learning task as a basic planning and instructional tool for communicative second language instruction is discussed, and considerations and procedures for designing such tasks are outlined. A task is defined as a piece of classroom work that involves learners in comprehending, manipulating, producing, or interacting in the target…