Describes the objective behind this special issue: to identify a science content area (physics for eighth to eleventh graders), work with science teachers to produce a set of content materials, and present a common content outline to a group of instructional designers. The first article describes the derivation of the content outline. The next…

Reports findings of a research project in Israel that utilized drill exercises on a classroom computer terminal to improve the attitudes and grades of 10th-grade algebra students who had received low grades in mathematics and the natural sciences. Educational aspects, methods, and materials are described. (JD)

Presents and discusses a form for the evaluation of microcomputer software for computer-assisted instruction which covers the following areas: (1) program goals; (2) program content; (3) audience; (4) instructional strategies; (5) program design; (6) appropriate use of computers; (7) program techniques; (8) cost/benefit analysis; and (9) overall…

Describes a study in which videodisks were used to teach fractions, decimals, and percents to fifth graders. Student scores on mastery tests are reported, and the reactions of teachers and students to the technology are described. (8 references) (CLB)

Describes how to integrate Web-based learning activities into school curriculums. Provides an overview of instructional materials development and defines related terms; outlines the attributes of the World Wide Web and the design of Web-laced spiral curriculums; discusses types of Web-based learning activities, how to conduct them, and evaluating…

Defines authentic technology and describes how it can be developed and tested. Proposes collaboration among practitioners, technologists, scientists, craftspeople, and artists to develop authentic educational technologies. Offers three examples of current social and educational technologies. (AEF)

Discusses designers' need to design educational software for subversive use, recognizing that users fit the use of technology-based environments into contextually tuned "situated" learning environments. In this sense, good design is volatile design, or design which changes with contextual use. These ideas are illustrated with reference to a range…

Discusses the features of virtual textbooks and characteristics that Web-based systems offer. Describes the four stages in developing virtual textbooks: design, development, delivery, and maintenance. Examines the five considerations that should be addressed when developing a virtual textbook in Web systems: pedagogy, instructional structure,…

Examines the outlook for new media based on past experiences. Discusses failures and successes among instructional media of the past decade; factors that inhibit the adoption of new media; characteristics of successful educational technology implementation and future challenges and changes. (AEF)

Discusses instructional design procedures for teachers to increase instructional effectiveness in classrooms with a culturally diverse student body. Highlights include analyzing learner characteristics using standardized tests and informal assessment techniques; specifying instructional strategies that are particularly useful in multicultural…

This instructional design looks at momentum in physics through railroading, to assist students in developing appropriate mental models that will enable them to solve problems relevant to the process or principle being taught. A PEAnet (process, entity, activity network) relationship enables an instructional visualization (simulation) in which…

The organization and availability of educational resources at 12 universities' World Wide Web sites was examined by random searching. Results suggest that Web sites at universities are not consistently organized and often contain relatively little educational content; however, the amount of significant information is increasing. (AEF)

Explores why "learning" and "object" have been combined in the field of instructional technology. Examines why current definitions of these terms are lacking when looked at from a standards and interoperability point of view. Suggests a new definition with a rationale to satisfy needs of technologists for precise, practical…

Discusses fluency-based instruction based on Skinner's research on response rate measures and Precision Teaching. Topics addressed include learning outcomes associated with fluency; fluency and overlearning; implications for instructional design; examples of fluency-based education and training; and strategies for marketing fluency-based…

Suggests that "digital differences" is a more appropriate view of the situation facing educators than the concept of the "digital divide." Introduces five principles providing direction for the design and development of technology-enhanced educational activities appropriate to the diversity of students-with-computer-access:…