Describes interactive educational technology and discusses its use in the classroom. Asserts that research about the effectiveness of interactive technology ignores links to curriculum goals and educational objectives. Asserts that a human tutor may still be needed to extend the thinking of a group. (CFR)

This study examined: (1) the effectiveness of integrating verbal elaboration (metaphors) and different visual presentation strategies (still and animated graphics) in learning biotechnology concepts; (2) whether the use of verbal elaboration with different visual presentation strategies facilitates cognitive processes; and (3) how students employ…

Examines the use of collaborative instruction and its effectiveness for delivering two courses in special education to rural graduate students over interactive television. Emphasizes three innovative practices: collaborative planning and coteaching; combining two courses with similar content into one timeslot; and incorporating on-campus meetings…

Reports on a study that required student teachers training in business education to produce open learning materials on intercultural communication. Analysis of stages and responses to this assignment revealed a distinction between "deep" and "surface" learning. Includes charts delineating the characteristics of these two types…

Describes the design and delivery of an Internet course in using instructional systems design (ISD) software for workforce training offered by Southern Illinois University. Discusses ISD and hypermedia models for instructional design, computer-mediated communication for interaction and course delivery (e-mail, bulletin boards, discussion groups,…

Examines factors affecting the success of asynchronous online learning both through a review of the research and through an empirical investigation of student perceptions and course design factors in one of the largest asynchronous learning networks in the United States. Reveals that three such factors-consistency in course design, contact with…

Discusses results of a survey of 10 Florida State University System libraries that investigated how they incorporated electronic resources into their library instruction and compared them to theories and methods described in the literature. Topics addressed include instructional levels; instructional media; trends in bibliographic instruction; and…

The director of production at Interactive Media Communications discusses its multimedia training models that address health and safety issues. Their purpose is to create entertaining instructional designs to guide the student in an interactive approach. The article describes two CD-ROM products (on hazardous chemicals and safe driving),…

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has created quality assurance guidelines that help technology trainers and educators manage and organize training programs. This article briefly outlines program design principles, emphasizing needs analysis and outcome evaluation, performance documentation, and process management. ISO 9000…

These designers approaches their physics lesson design task from the viewpoint of play. The designs, all having strong gaming influences, aim to be flexible enough to take advantage of the experience and ideas of a teacher working with a standard curriculum, yet interesting enough for students to want to continue exploring resources on their own…

A study of undergraduates found that grades, class year, focused academic library activities, informal faculty interaction, active course learning, and conscientious writing resulted in gains in critical thinking, suggesting that academic librarians should design library-research-skills courses to increase student-focused use of the library and…

Discussion of the principle of least restrictive environment (LRE) in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) reviews sociopolitical, legal, and educational data. The article suggests that concerns about LRE placement have obscured the preeminent issue of free and appropriate instruction, another IDEA principle. Some principles of…

The basis for development of most instructional technology applications has been the process of systematic instructional design. However, the traditional model of systematic instructional design may not be appropriate for new technological tools. New options, including online instruction, suggest that the focus should now be on helping learners…

Purpose: To explain why cross-cultural negotiations simulations are an excellent, active, and dramatic means of training employees to be culturally adaptable and literate. Design/methodology/approach: Through a discussion of how drama plays an important role in creating learning that lasts, and by comparing passive, traditional classroom training…

This is the story of Lily, a 12-year-old girl with Williams Syndrome (WS). A reading program was developed to meet Lily's specific reading needs while addressing her individual learning style; this includes attending to the unique characteristics of Williams Syndrome. During this school year, Lily showed significant gains in sight word recognition…