Reviews empirical studies from a wide variety of fields to show that computer-based multimedia instruction may be able to help people learn more information more quickly compared to traditional classroom lecture. Topics include interactivity; control of learning pace; novelty; and learners with low prior knowledge or aptitude. (103 references)…

Examines the redesign of a problem-based learning (PBL) course and its effects on students' cognitive learning outcomes in a college business course in the Netherlands. Compares the regular PBL course with the new authentic learning environment that included greater authenticity of case studies, more learner control, and social collaboration that…

Argues that including computer programming in the curriculum as a medium for instruction is a feasible alternative for teaching problem solving. Discusses the nature of problem solving; the problem-solving elements of discovery, motivation, practical learning situations and flexibility which are inherent in programming; capabilities of computer…

Discusses the need for educational environments that allow for authentic learning. Shows how the Internet enables practice in which students are able to manipulate concepts for the sake of getting things done and receiving feedback regarding how well the application of an understanding worked. Provides examples of three learning activities on the…

Examines how different internal learner characteristics (prior knowledge, self efficacy, and interest) and different external constraints (learner control, instructional design, and level of control) influence the learning process. Discusses learning from multimedia environments (video, hypertext, kiosk, and other hypermedia) within a schema…

Describes the Drexel Hypermedia Demo, a hypermedia system that was developed to facilitate undergraduate and graduate instruction about hypermedia. Topics discussed include media advocacy; interactivity in educational media; navigation in hyperspace; learner control; and design principles and evaluation of the Drexel Hypermedia Demo, including…

Proposes a theory for organizing information and activities in educational hypermedia systems and evaluates theory effectiveness based on implementation of a multimedia learning environment. Results suggest that self-paced interactive learning environments, multimedia information access, and constructive activities organized into cognitive media…

Maintains that most educational institutions still treat students as dependent children and teach largely irrelevant material. Argues for a broader philosophical examination of the teacher/student roles. Concludes that the juxtaposition of autonomy and dependence, especially with older students may require more subtlety than schools possess. (MJP)

Arguing that good screen design is an important part of good instructional design for computer-based training, this article describes how to design screens to facilitate learning and provide for appropriate student-computer interaction. Topics discussed include general text and graphics design, screen layout, use of color, and effective design for…

This paper describes a 4-month-long experiment in computer-based learning called Instructional Software Design and presents aspects of the software evaluation. Results included greater mastery of LOGO and fractions by the experimental class than for either control class and greater acquisition of metacognitive skills. (Author/CW)

Discussion of learner control in distance education focuses on a study that examined six factors relating to three dimensions of control, i.e., independence, competence, and support. The use of factor analysis is explained, and the roles of teachers and the university in increasing learner control are discussed. (19 references) (LRW)

Presents guidelines derived from cognitive and constructivist learning theory and instructional design literature for designing effective hypermedia-based courseware. Topics addressed include the influence of learning theory, hypertext and hypermedia, courseware design factors, learner interaction variables, practice, feedback, learner control,…

Describes a two-year literacy project: an innovative adult basic skills class designed and orchestrated by the students themselves, where Head Start mothers and college-student volunteer tutors worked together. Attributes the project's enormous success to combining the whole-language approach with oral history and the writing process, resulting in…

This paper presents the rationale of an innovation, Resource-Based Education, through the chemical engineering department at the University of Queensland (Australia). It describes the program rationale, management processes employed in the project's first five years, and impact on teaching staff. (Author/MLW)

Discussion of interactive educational technology (IET) focuses on a case study using a hypertext-related concept of interactive video to teach interviewing skills to graduate students. Topics discussed include teaching professional interpersonal skills; intelligent computer-assisted instruction; learning processes; learner control; teacher roles;…