In this regular feature of "Educational Technology," Michael F. Shaughnessy and Susan M. Fulgham present their interview with Ryan Watkins, Associate Professor of Educational Technology at the George Washington University and the author of 10 books and more than 95 articles. In this interview, Watkins discusses the following topics:…

An organization needs to establish an ideal and shared "vision" of what it, as well as society in general, should be like in the future. After the vision is set, the organization should define what it will deliver and should work cooperatively toward creating that vision. (AEF)

Discusses the planning process as it relates to performance technology. Proactive and reactive planning perspectives are explained, opportunities for creativity are examined, strategic planning is discussed, three levels for strategic planning are described, and the question of control is raised. (nine references) (LRW)

Discusses the use of technology in the classroom and stresses the importance of long-range planning for successful implementation. Capabilities of future computer-assisted instruction are suggested, possible results of educational technology are described, state planning is reviewed, and changes in society resulting from technology are discussed.…

Discussion of change and its perceived threats focuses on the concept of design and how it could positively alter the perception of change. Three approaches to change are examined, including improvement, planning, and design; and design is highlighted as offering the greatest range of possibilities. (LRW)

Suggests that the business world offers a wide array of job opportunities for media specialists and examines some basics a person should consider in making a career transition from a traditional educational setting to a business atmosphere. Eight references are cited. (MER)

The institution of results-oriented technology in delivering predictable learner success is explored. Models for the Systematic Approach for Effectiveness (SAFE), educational planning, and closed/open looped instruction and learning are offered. (RAO)

Presents a comparative analysis of Kaufman's and Nadler's work design models by examining each model's rational content and comparing the distinctive images of procedure that those contents project. Kaufman's insistent claim that his organizational elements model merits distinctive recognition as the definitive explication of the system approach…

Discusses total quality management principles and expands conventional total quality programs to go beyond client satisfaction by including societal usefulness. Highlights include contributing to future well-being; paradigm shifts; and integrating quality management plus and strategic planning to create synergistic organizational improvement. (LRW)

Provides an overview of this special issue, which focuses on computer-based integrated learning systems (ILSs). Highlights include a definition of ILSs; historical background; research evidence on the effectiveness of ILSs; planning requirements; vendors' perspectives; educators' viewpoints; and the future possibilities of ILSs. (LRW)

Discusses the transfer of problem-solving skills from computer programing to other areas of learning. Logo programing is discussed, levels of programing ability are described, attributes of microworlds are presented, and implications of the growing use of computers in the classroom for educational planning are suggested. (15 references) (LRW)

Discussion of quality management and approaches to organizational success focuses on benchmarking and the integration of other approaches including strategic planning, ideal visions, and reengineering. Topics include performance improvement; decision making; internal benchmarking; and quality targets for the organization, clients, and societal…

Explores two issues--deciding where a computer-assisted learning agency belongs in the vertical organizational structure of an educational institution, and defining the staffing needs of such an agency. Factors affecting both issues are discussed. (RAO)

Outlines a technique for setting priorities among competing needs, and examines the strengths and weaknesses of several popular needs assessment models. Relevance of goal attainability and force field analysis to curriculum decision-making is also discussed. (RAO)

Addresses fundamental issues central to the systematic design of schooling that incorporate changing technology. Schooling models of the past and present are discussed, a technology-based paradigm for the future is described, and it is suggested that empirical research be used as the basis for developing a new model. (six references) (LRW)