A qualitative study explored experiences of two adolescent high school students who are gifted but underachieving. Results indicate the students were stuck on an academic merry-go-round, whirling by the same content over and over without any input. Internally driven to learn, they became frustrated and unchallenged, waiting to do something…

Reviews current experimental research that deals with various aspects of learner control in computer-based instruction (CBI). Topics discussed include cognitive styles; computer anxiety; levels of field independence; sequencing; feedback; interactive videodiscs; branching in software menus; varying the density of text; and suggestions for future…

Discussion of electronic publishing focuses on the four main purposes of media in general: communication, entertainment, motivation, and education. Highlights include electronic journals and books; hypertext; user control; computer graphics and animation; electronic games; virtual reality; multimedia; electronic performance support;…

When college courses and classrooms are consciously designed to foster self-evaluation, critical shifts occur in student autonomy and responsibility. Three elements that transform the school experience into meaningful learning include encouraging student "ownership" of their work; promoting reflection on that work; and creating a sense…

Recommendations are offered for enhancing the achievement motivation of elementary students with mild disabilities. Recommendations address five areas: learner control, rewards, student interest, classroom structure, and self-efficacy and attributions. A process for implementing these recommendations in the classroom is also provided. (JDD)

A new model for pedagogy needs to be developed that is based on the use of technology and student independence. There is no meaningful research leading to a new theory of pedagogy; current educational practices do not reflect contemporary needs. It must be determined whether children have any standing in the debate over educational reform. (AEF)

Discusses the introduction of computer-mediated communications (CMC) in management education and describes the impact of the new technology on the role of the tutor. The role of the moderator in CMC is contrasted with the role of the tutor in learner-controlled, or participative, education; and future directions are suggested. (17 references) (LRW)

Describes the use of a microcomputer-based authoring system to facilitate student-centered discovery oriented learning in an undergraduate social science course. Use of the authoring system to implement student-generated experiments, to become familiar with statistics and experimental methods, and to promote empirical thinking is discussed. (14…

This paper describes an approach to assessment in which university students create a comprehensive and analytical summary, called the self-assessment schedule, of their learning in a given subject. The application of the schedule in postgraduate courses is discussed, and the views of staff and students are reported. (Author/GLR)

This introduction to six articles on learner-centered instruction of students with hearing impairments briefly looks at such principles as the importance of expectations, the interaction between practice and research, collaboration, reflection, and lifelong learning. (DB)

The five articles of this special section show that evaluations of corporate education range from state of the art to poorly conceived evaluation research. Several of the efforts reported here incorporate efficient and exemplary use of modern evaluation concepts and techniques and can serve as examples for future evaluations. (SLD)

Presents a constructivist framework for educational reform. Describes technology's role in child-driven learning. Supports a wholesale revision of educational practice that focuses on children's competencies and integrates technology so that it supports the deeper more reflective self-directed activity children must use if they are to become…

Compares the use of computer-based training (CBT) and interactive videodisc (IVD) for education and training. Highlights include research about CBT, including administrative strengths, cost effectiveness, motivation, feedback, and lesson control; steps involved in producing CBT and IVD materials; research about IVD, including content and learner…

Describes the development of an instructional technology-based training course for a Hewlett Packard manufacturing plant. The environment, an appropriately trained staff, and a development strategy with measurable goals are discussed; a comparison of conventional training with self-paced courseware is described; and learning effectiveness and…

Examines assumptions inherent in open-ended learning; describes features of open-ended learning environments; and discusses implications for research, development, and implementation of open-ended learning systems. Highlights include context and experience; learner control; higher-order cognitive skills; understanding versus knowing; orienting…