Stresses the importance of clearly establishing goals for and level of services to be offered by academic library microcomputer centers when determining staff requirements. Questions to be considered when developing goals and a profile of the majority of tasks involved in center operation provide some guidelines for the planning process. (EM)

Analyzes instructional theory requirements and suggests that structural learning theories meet these requirements. Essentials of such theories are illustrated in the context of designing an instructional unit on subtraction. Structural learning theories are then described more generally and contrasted with cognitive theories. Implications for…

Reviews problems involved in analyzing data on educational or training needs and details use of the proportionate reduction in error (PRE) approach (Hildebrand, et al., 1977), which predicts the probability that certain combinations of a joint distribution will occur, then tests to see how closely the prediction matches the observation. (MBR)

Background: Virtual learning has exploded with the growth in broadband connectivity. The challenge for today's educational leaders is to integrate the research indicating cognitive changes in today's students with online K-12 offerings in order to fully maximize technological advances and close access and academic gaps. Purpose: To inform both…

This book provides training and development professionals with step-by-step guidelines for developing and delivering comprehensive structured the on-the-job training (OJT). Chapter 1 introduces the concept of team-driven structured OJT and discusses its philosophy and basic components in the context of fundamental concepts of human behavior and…

Three approaches to the study of learning styles are considered. The first approach assumes that a learning style can be identified by the learner himself. A second approach is based upon teacher observation of learners. A third approach goes beyond recognition of style to analyzing a learning task and identifying the appropriate cognitive style.…

Examines the need for integrating assumptions about learning processes with the decisions typically made when designing instructional systems. The relationships between learning theory and instructional design are discussed, and suggestions offered for improving the design process. Extensive references are included. (Author/BK)

Examined are questions pertinent to the use of the Position Analysis Questionnaire: Who can use the PAQ reliably and validly? Must one rely on trained job analysts? Can people having no direct contact with the job use the PAQ reliably and validly? Do response biases influence PAQ responses? (Author/KC)

Reports on research into the pedagogical uses of Andrew Wilkinson's writing evaluation instrument. Shows how Wilkinson's scale of cognitive development can be used both to classify writing students and to suggest strategies for helping students mature as writers. (RL)

A task analysis model for analyzing and teaching community living skills to the mentally handicapped was developed and validated with five moderately retarded youths (ages 17 to 20 years) who were taught mending skills (sewing hems, buttons, and seams). (Author/DLS)

Describes a study conducted to develop a system for the technical component of a competency-based teacher program in agricultural education. The findings of the study revealed that there were differences between the technical competency needs of beginning teachers and that of beginning workers. (MF)

Discussion of instructional design for distance education compares team-based and faculty-driven design approaches based on three online graduate degree programs in two disciplinary areas. Discusses design considerations for online graduate distance education, including needs analysis, content and task analysis, and media selection and design; and…

A study investigated influence of gender on undergraduate students (n=119) involved in international business games. Females tended to view the simulation as less complex, have less cohesive group structures, and show less self-confidence than males. However, game performance measures showed no significant gender differences. Implications for…

Discusses authentic activities and case based learning and describes two cases that were developed as support materials for master's degree students undertaking a major multimedia design project at the University of Wollongong (Australia). Examines Jonassen's model for a constructivist learning environment and considers desired outcomes against…

Studied the effects of text familiarity, task type, and language proficiency on university students' language for specific purposes test and task performances. Students majoring in electronics took the the Task Based Reading Test. Analyses indicated that text familiarity, task type, and language proficiency resulted in significant differences in…