Introduces this special issue by discussing the nature of educational technology and its development in the antipodes as presented in the eight papers which follow. Topics focus on the understanding of educational technology as a systematic process--a problem-oriented approach to the design, implementation, and evaluation of educational…

An outline of the adult education system in Czechoslovakia is presented as a model for organizing such a descriptive research study. The three major topics are (1) comprehensive (statewide) system of adult education, (2) adult education subsystems, and (3) research and theory of adult education. (LAS)

Discusses general problems of thesaurus construction theory and practice. Highlights include lexical control and its tools in various databases; natural language versus conceptual networks; systems approach; thesaurus versus classification, including associative relations; and thesaurus role in information storage and retrieval. (110 references)…

Focuses on patterns of communication by members and leaders during episodes of conflict and how these patterns related to group development. Analyzed communication of two small groups that met for 12 weeks. Results indicate that integration and differentiation from systems theory are key elements of the group development process. (RJM)

Reviews changes in the original Dick and Carey model of instructional design and considers its future usefulness. Topics include alternative instructional design textbooks, the influence of constructivist theory on the 1996 version of the model with its systems approach, and the influence of constructivist and objectivist models. (Author/LRW)

Examines four orientations of sociological research: functional analysis, systems theory, symbolic interaction, and critical theory/conflict analysis. Recommends avoiding adherence to one single orientation and suggests constant reevaluation of the frame of reference. (SK)

A review of the literature examines definitional issues in child abuse. The review is organized into sections on theory and ideology, historical broadening of concept, comparative studies, dimensions of definitions, operational definitions, and breadth of systems. The importance of definitional issues in construction of a unifying framework for…

Compares differential and developmental approaches to clinical and developmental problems such as suicide. Contends that abstract model variables (such as suicidal tendency), whose meaning depends on the model in which they function, need a translation between the variable and empirical data. Maintains that practitioners need a model allowing for…

Describes an organizational learning course based on transformative learning theory that illustrates approaches to developing constructive learning environments, enhancing team learning, examining mental models, supporting systems thinking, and achieving personal mastery. (SK)

Discusses various ways in which context may be interpreted to enhance learning and performance; illustrates domains of learning using a hockey team as an example; and suggests implications for learning, performance, and instructional design. Highlights include an ecological systems model; and examples of individual development, team learning, and…

Describes a program evaluation model that was developed over three semesters of teaching an introductory graduate-level course in program evaluation. The framework uses a systems approach that emphasizes its sequenced methodology and the significant of monitoring work through feedback loops in an ongoing revision process. (Author/SLD)

Discusses the need to have a clear understanding of the environment into which learning materials and resources are introduced. Topics discussed include the instructional design process, front end analysis, systems inquiry and design inquiry, the learner's role and the teacher's role, and the physical environment. (29 references) (LRW)

Proposes a systemically valid testing system that induces curricular and instructional changes in education systems to foster the development of the cognitive traits that tests are designed to measure. Analyzes test characteristics and outlines the principles of a systemically valid testing system. (FMW)

Describes basic concepts in the field of general systems theory (GST) and explains the relationship between instructional systems design (ISD) and GST. Benefits of integrating GST into the curriculum of ISD graduate programs are discussed, and a short bibliography on GST is included. (LRW)

The authors argue that high priority should be given to the awareness of existing conditions and needs in Third World countries before the introduction of any form of technology. They present two models that direct the thinking process toward effective technology transfer on a systematic basis. (CH)