A study in two high school language programs investigated students' oral proficiency (OPI) interview ratings after a typical four-year sequence, degree to which teachers could accurately predict students' ratings, and relationship between classroom achievement and OP ratings. Results provide valuable information for states and school districts as…

Describes a federally-funded University of Utah model project to prepare teachers to work with American Indian students with disabilities in both rural and urban regions. Components include cultural sensitivity and awareness, nonbiased assessment, fostering resilience, curriculum and instructional strategies, transition and collaboration, field…

Describes and compares five major types of college learning-community curricular models: linked courses; learning clusters; freshman interest groups; federated learning communities; and coordinated studies. Characteristics of each model are outlined concerning institution size, basic unit of instruction, number of students involved, faculty roles,…

Considers how computer-assisted learning (CAL) can be integrated into a skills curriculum, and argues that CAL can provide a flexible approach to developing a range of skills and support the development of competence in information technology. Finds that a carefully designed program can be an appropriate learning strategy for skills courses. (DSK)

Describes attempts to devise effective strategies to develop students' communication and information technology (CIT) skills. Compares the outcomes of three modules that used learning materials mounted on the Internet. Finds that the provision of minimal instruction, low assessment weighting, and an experiential learning atmosphere encouraged…

Examines issues, especially definitional issues, in the practical application of effective naturalistic instructional (NI) practices in the instruction of young children with disabilities and their families. Suggests guidelines for describing independent and dependent variables in the procedural and contextual features of research into NI. (DB)

Common complaints about physicians are that they don't care enough about patients, don't know enough to practice the best medicine, and don't do enough to maintain the public's trust. The best way for graduate medical education (GME) to address these complaints is to improve the educational content of residency programs. (MSE)

Profiles Thomas F. Gilbert, a pioneer and influential leader in educational media and instructional technology, who is often cited as the founder of the field of performance technology. Discusses Gilbert's educational background and early interests, contributions to scholarship, awards, work as instructional-design consultant and performance…

In planning a new school and general remodeling and technology upgrades, the Oshkosh (Wisconsin) High School District used a variation of total quality management called Continuous Quality Improvement. The plan involved students, teachers, staff, parents, and members of the business community assisting in the school's design and selecting its…

Discusses Web-based distance-educational opportunities in post-secondary education, reviews traditional models for instructional design along with available educational technology, and suggests a derivative framework based upon environmental factors and circumstance. Examines constructivism, computer-mediated communication, communication…

Discusses leadership issues that arose during the creation and offering of an Internet-based course for high school chemistry teachers including course organization, recruiting students, and technological support available to participating students. (Author/WRM)

Describes research conducted with students in grades three, four, and five to determine if providing teachers with a wider variety of computer-based resources to integrate with instructional activities would have a positive effect on student achievement and attitudes. Explains the use of two variations of Integrated Learning System software.…

Discussion of the development of distance education for instruction and training due to new technologies and software focuses on questions that need to be asked to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. Highlights include institutional and organizational concerns; content design analyses; development issues; implementation; evaluation; management…

Presents a program planning model to be used in developing educational experiences for adult learners in university and continuing education settings. Highlights include general characteristics of students; previously learned competencies; needs; objectives; instructional design; delivery; evaluation; administration and management; and research.…

Provides basic guidelines for designing and creating a faculty Web site using a systems approach. Describes instructional design principles used in Web site design, including considering the target audience, clear objectives, home page and contents, site navigation structure, page design, text and graphics, and selecting a Web authoring program.…