Two recent theoretical developments in adult education, self-directed learning and transformative learning, are applied to the college faculty development process. With this approach, faculty learn to direct their own learning process, become aware of their assumptions about teaching, and revise them using critical self-reflection. (MSE)

There are several factors to consider when developing tasks to satisfy curricular objectives. Tasks can be written by teachers alone or by teachers and library media specialists collaboratively. Each task should have an authentic problem-driven purpose, be developmentally appropriate, have an intended audience, and introduce new concepts, content,…

This article discusses the metacognitive approach of mediated learning theory and its application to orientation and mobility (O&M) instruction for individuals with visual impairments. The theory is explained, and the structure of a typical O&M lesson is outlined, followed by an example of using the approach in a trip to the drug store. (DB)

Discusses the contexts where virtual reality (VR) training environments might be appropriate; examines the advantages and disadvantages of VR as a training technology; and presents a case study of a VR training environment used at the NASA Johnson Space Center in preparation for the repair of the Hubble Space Telescope. (AEF)

Proposes the establishment of a Research Foundation for Open Learning, and reflects on the Open University's achievements and the need for change. (Author/AEF)

Defines multimedia, explores uses of multimedia training, and discusses the effects and challenges of adding multimedia such as graphics, photographs, full motion video, sound effects, or CD-ROMs to existing training methods. Offers planning tips, and suggests software and hardware tools to help set up multimedia training programs. (JMV)

Describes a method of developing user-based objectives for bibliographic instruction that utilizes content analysis to code self-reports by library users according to a taxonomy of library speech acts in the affective, cognitive, and sensorimotor domains. Analysis of one student's library reports and translation of the analysis into enabling…

Maintains that continued over reliance on traditional skills-based assessment of reading abilities provides the whole-language teacher with little, if any, useful information for instructional planning. Suggests informal assessment procedures that focus on the language learner and provide a rich information source on which to base instructional…

Describes the status of educational telecommunications networks operated and funded by state government agencies to support K-12 programs. Summaries of a 1993 survey and other recent studies are presented together with recommendations for network infrastructure, instruction, transport, funding, and evaluation development. (Contains 12 references.)…

This paper urges special educators to be wary of borrowing fashionable rhetoric of postmodernism to justify constructivism in the reform of instruction and curriculum without disentangling accompanying constructs and values. There are higher stakes for special education, particularly in national curriculum and testing reform, that accompany…

Describes a study that was conducted to determine what influence instructional systems design (ISD) has on teachers' planning processes and how teachers implement instruction. Results were compared for teachers with and without an ISD background in areas including instructional planning time, long-range planning, daily planning, and use of…

Describes North Carolina's model of community college faculty development that coordinates the improvement of curricula and instruction with professional development activities. Discusses the strategy of basing projects at individual colleges while targeting single curriculum areas statewide and lists curriculum improvement projects since 1985.…

Describes a study that was conducted to investigate instructional planning by university faculty who taught adult learners via interactive telecommunications technology in a distance education program. Results indicate that faculty focused on term rather than day-to-day planning, selection and sequencing of content, and developing an extended…

Suggests that the cooperative learning group is more effective than the straight lecture method of teaching written business communication. States that, in an earlier study, students' comments showed maturation in the area of interpersonal relationship skills. Suggests procedures for structuring and implementing cooperative learning groups and…

Six industrial-technology graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) with prior teaching experience and 11 who took a course on instruction were rated by 140 and 106 undergraduates respectively, with no significant differences in instructor effectiveness. Exit interviews with GTAs led to a recommendation that all GTAs, even those with prior teaching…