The narrative portion of this report describes the results of a recent survey of the users of PLANIT, a computer language designed to make computer-assisted instruction easier and more accessible to the user who is inexperienced with computers. The survey shows that with recent revisions in the system, user satisfaction has increased, but areas of…

This self-instructional module shows how to break down a goal into its directly observable component parts. Once this is done, the parts can be used as evaluative criteria for measuring accomplishment of the goal. The procedure used in this study is a specific application of a general method developed at the University of Massachusetts, called…

The document represents a conceptual approach through which the application of proven and experimental ideas and practices can be formalized into a total instructional system for all grade levels. The concept points to the need for change in organizing and teaching for living in the real world. The second in the series, the document provides…

A study was made to standardize instruction in the Army's Leadership Preparation Program (LPP). A portion of the LPP was converted to an automated method of instruction, accomplished mostly through the use of tape-recorded lectures and supported by visual aid frames. A comparison study was then made with the conventional lecture-conference…

Two issues inhibit full utilization of computer-assisted instruction (CAI). The first of these issues concerns authorship of CAI programs. Should it be left with classroom teachers or given to specially trained instructional design teams? The latter approach is preferable for "mainline" systems (those systems that are specifically designed to…

Learning systems or creativity games are innovative strategies for teaching a variety of subjects with maximum rewards for teachers and students alike. By definition, learning systems are in opposition to the conventional teaching formula. They are productivity rather than procedurally oriented, and they rely on discovery rather than reception…

Any teaching act is the result of a decision, either conscious or unconscious. Previous research on basic teaching skills examined alternative teaching acts, such as explaining, questioning, reinforcing, without examining how teachers choose between one or another act. This paper argues that the basic teaching skill is decision making. This…

Small portable videotape recorders can be used economically and effectively as "scratch pads" during course development. Current off-the-shelf equipment can be used for data gathering during the analysis of systems requirements and initial development of course equipment and test materials. Such equipment has been beneficial in revealing…

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the feasibility of applying research variables for concept acquisition into a generalized instructional model for teaching concepts. This paper does not present the methodology for the decision/selection stages in designing the actual instruction task, but offers references to other sources which give…

A project was designed to investigate the use and effectiveness of an instructional design system in which systematically prepared materials, in conjunction with automated devices, were used to teach manipulative nursing skills on an independent study basis. This report presents the problem of designing and constructing such instructional…

An elementary account of the instructional systems approach and new forms of education technology, and the use of each in federal government programs, is set down. The educational technology described includes programed instruction, teaching machines, computer-assisted instruction, educational television, and simulation. The emphasis is on the use…

A new division of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), the Division of Instructional Development (DID), invited papers by five leaders in the field to provide a starting place for defining and exploring instructional development (ID). The first paper argues that definitions are restrictive and should be used only…

Educational technologists have moved from a unique concern with the how-to-do-its of behavioral change to the inclusion of what to teach, based on measurable objectives. The formal consideration of why can be seen as possibly having several layers, including considerations of results, both within and external to, an organizational context. (VT)

Briefly reviews two traditions in comparative analysis: the micro-approach, which compares the similarities and differences of two matched countries; and the macro-approach, which broadly compares educational data from many countries. It is suggested that the two methods must be combined before comparative analysis can be used in policy…

Strategies for organizing and instructing science classes are discussed. Recommendations for African universities are made. (SD)