The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) has developed a model for distributed learning that addresses around-the-clock access and support, leverages the resources of 23 institutions, and retains the pedagogical integrity of courseware. The model, a four-pronged approach, addresses the technology infrastructure, portals, content, and delivery.…

Describes the use of elaboration theory in selecting, sequencing, synthesizing, and summarizing instructional content that is predominantly conceptual in nature. The elaboration theory is summarized and the instructional design process based upon it is outlined. Six figures, a glossary, and a 27-item reference list are included. (Author/JL)

Presents a case study in simulation design based on a dispute resulting from a border incident between two imaginary nations. The steps involved with the basic design of social simulations for upper-elementary and secondary social studies classes are described. (AM)

Learning theory, instructional methodology, and research are part of the preparation program in school psychology. School psychologists in a vocational setting would have the skills to pursue research on the potential implications of such models in special needs vocational education. (Editor/CT)

Suggests that trainers take innovative approaches to training clients who work in high-risk jobs such as the military and recommmends that external needs assessment, front end analysis, and task analysis be used to establish training goals and objectives. Nine references are listed. (MER)

Describes a theoretical instructional development model for planning college and university bibliographic instruction programs. Potential advantages of the approach are identified and specific application of the model is encouraged to gain empirical data and refine the methodology. Ten references are listed. (RAA)

Explains and differentiates among several types of needs assessment, recommends one type, the external needs assessment, and presents the steps for implementing this and other types of needs assessments. (Author/CHC)

Describes a new method designed to identify defects in existing instructional programs so that ineffective parts may be repaired, and poor programs may be replaced with better ones. Four references are listed. (MER)

Presents a 3-phase model (content research, specification, delivery) for instructional development-operations research and describes its application in developing courses in zoology, geology, and paleontology. (MER)

Describes a flexible planning process for developing computer based instruction (CBI) in which the CBI design is implemented on paper between the lesson design and the program production. A four-stage model is explained, including (1) an initial flowchart, (2) storyboards, (3) a detailed flowchart, and (4) an evaluation. (16 references)…

Observation of 20 teachers from mainstreamed preschool programs found that teachers engaged in many roles (including instructor, monitor, coplayer, entertainer, observer, behavior manager, materials manager, caregiver, and unavailable) and switched roles frequently. A model is proposed for assessing teachers' roles when planning how to embed…

The 4S model uses the criteria "Simple, Stable, Scalable, and Sustainable" as a filter for selecting instructional technologies. This paper considers a social dimension that uses culture and interaction as the primary consideration in the deployment of any instructional technology within the context of the 4S model. (Author/MES)

The Upside Down Tree Design (UDT) shows how teachers can use curriculum planning to improve academic standards. UDT employs the "design down" approach, where the design of the curriculum is arranged down from the general to the specific, but the delivery of the curriculum is presented up from specific to the general. The text explores…

This report describes a two-phase study designed to (1) investigate the appropriate evaluation literature and develop a formative evaluation model; (2) investigate the formative evaluation procedures utilized by Advanced Systems Incorporated (ASI), a successful producer of training materials; (3) develop a model based upon these procedures; and…

The design team approach to the development of computer based learning (CBL) courseware relies heavily on the effective communication between different members of the team, including up-to-date paperwork and documentation. This is important for the accurate and efficient overall coordination of the courseware design, and for future maintenance of…