Discusses linear, or systematic, instructional design and development, including a 15-step model. Topics include needs assessment; formative evaluation; performance objectives; instructional materials development; pilot testing; design alternatives that challenge linear instructional design, including constructivism, anchored instruction, and…

A discussion of an efficient assignment plan for the domain-referenced testing program to govern how examinees encounter the items. (Author)

A training program for instructional materials selection has been implemented by the Florida Department of Education. Nine instructional modules and a trainer's guide have been developed and are used for training members of state and district level instructional materials councils. Reactions to the program have been positive. (MES)

Describes a methodology for student involvement in courseware evaluation and for utilizing student reactions in purchasing and implementation decisions. The evaluation forms used in a survey of 2,308 Indiana students are presented, and the results of that survey are discussed. (18 references) (CLB)

Discusses the focus group interview as an effective method of eliciting public opinions at three points in the media production process--concept development, script completion, and completion of rough cut. Interview characteristics, objectives, respondent characteristics, moderator role, physical arrangements, interview techniques, and data…

Describes a structured set of procedures for critical script appraisal of nontheatrical scripts by carefully selected evaluators. An overview of the procedure, script reviewer qualities, the questionnaire's structure and objectives, and discussion of a sequence-by-sequence evaluation, script annotations, reviewer comments, and report preparation…

The Tri-Cycle Process described in the model permits for the first time an integrated system for designing an individualized instructional system that would permit a rational, diagnosis-prescription-evaluation system keyed to an accounting system. (Author)

Author suggests means to help researchers deal with factor analysis as a tool for construct validation of educational objectives. (HB)

The process of diagnosis in education is basically a process of needs assessment and of finding ways of meeting the needs of the learner thus identified. The model described suggests that the basis for this process is three elements: (a) the needs of the students; (b) structure of the learning program; (c) placement data regarding the individual…

Outlines problems faced by software publishers in providing instructionally valid computer assisted instruction. A research design undertaken by Edu-Ware Services, Inc., directed at measuring instructional validity and utility of software offered to institutions and consumers, is described noting tests, evaluation, data submission and reduction,…

Defines basic concept courseware as educational software dealing with language concepts for young children, details problems with current courseware evaluation systems, and outlines contents of the basic concept courseware evaluation form included in the appendix. Teacher evaluation and learner evaluation of the courseware are included. (12…

Offers comments on articles in this special issue relating to critical theory, deconstruction, and postmodernism as they affect educational technology. Topics discussed include the modernist, positivist approach to educational technology; systems theory and instructional design; evaluating media for stereotypes; and mastery learning. (LRW)

Discussion of three basic goals of education--retention, understanding, and active use of knowledge and skills--focuses on information processing technologies and educational practices surrounding the idea of constructivism. Highlights include the five facets of a learning environment and the relationship of constructivism and technology,…

Presents issues concerning return on investment (ROI) and its use in education and training. Discussion includes building a feasible ROI process; criteria for an effective ROI process; a practical model for ROI, which includes preliminary evaluation, data collection, isolating program effects, converting data to monetary values, tabulating program…

Highlights of this article include revisiting competency expectations for IT practitioners; revisiting technology-selection criteria; using ROI to support interactive technology selection decisions; technology-oriented inputs to ROI determinations; and business cases of ROI in action. (AEF)