Describes PT3 (Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to Use Technology) at Vanderbilt University, focusing on the development of a modular architecture for creating, sharing, and studying the impact of high-quality learning resources. Discusses three case studies that explored preservice teacher education in three areas: how people learn, mathematics, and…

Introduces LearningLinks, a Visual Basic software tool that allows teachers to create individualized learning modules that use constructivist and behavioral learning principles. Describes field testing of undergraduates at the University of Virginia that tested a module designed to improve understanding of the psychological concepts of…

The longitudinal study with second-year Chemical Engineering students (N=31) found conventionally taught courses generated study problems in the lecture and student assessment components whereas in resource-based education students confronted problems with the resource laboratory, with reference materials, with tutorials, and with student…

Describes the design and development of a computer simulation and accompanying software to teach the scaleup of chemical processes to chemical engineering students at Penn State. Collaboration on the instructional development team is described, software modules are explained, and students' evaluations of the system are reported. (LRW)

Describes a study of eight universities in England that investigated the size and characteristics of their part-time degree programs. Highlights include government policy; cost; competition between universities; admissions policies; completion rate and drop-out rate; instructional design, including modularity; continuing education; and program…

Examines recent developments in library and information science (LIS) in the United Kingdom. Highlights include a historical perspective; restructuring and reorganization; recruitment; modular courses; user needs; the transfer of LIS skills; new areas of LIS curriculum; distance education; and future concerns, including recruitment and links with…

Presents a case study of the bilingual section established in a modular business studies course taught in Spanish and designed to integrate the themes of "business" and "information studies" within a single subject. The teachers were expert in the subject studied and the language concerned, and the students had an adequate…

Fourteen computer-assisted pharmacy modules on self-care using guided design were compared with print-based counterparts in a 2-hour practice course with 20 students. Results indicated students were able to master content without the guided design format, and students preferred print-based exercises. However, computer-assisted instruction reduced…

Examines characteristics of interactive video and microcomputer technology that are useful in the design and development of instructional modules for precalculus, especially for minority groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in math and science. Theoretical design principles are discussed, and examples for use in secondary schools…

Describes six types of instructional technology used in the nuclear industry: Study Pacs, computerized test banks, computer-based training, interactive videodisc, artificial intelligence, and full-scope simulation. Each description presents the need, training device, outcomes, and limitations or constraints on use. (SK)

Describes courses in microcomputer literacy for college students that evolved from one general course to modular courses including word processing, spreadsheets, and programing. A proposed plan for integrating microcomputers across a variety of curriculums is then discussed, and sample curriculums are shown. (LRW)

The new diversity of foreign language students' motivations and learning paths requires a new, more learner-centered approach to instruction. Alternative ways of organizing the learning experience include modular curricula, individualized instruction, and guided independent study. This implies a more culturally oriented approach to language…

Discusses the implementation and use of computer-assisted learning in a traditional university physics course at Keele University (England), its effect on traditional course structure, and the effective use of academic staff time. Highlights SToMP (Software Teaching of Modular Physics), based on distance learning principles that permit self-paced…

Multimedia authoring packages and low cost delivery systems make it possible to produce and deliver inexpensive skill training modules. This article examines computer-based training (CBT) in the workplace; features of skill training modules; steps in their development; and delivery alternatives (CD-ROM, batch download, CD-ROM jukebox or tower,…

Provides an introduction to capability issues in the United Kingdom and expands on the University of North London's capability curriculum. Explains the new software engineering module for computer science that incorporates the capability curriculum and discusses the need for a partnership between educators, employers, and the government to advance…