Discussion of instructional design focuses on a foundation for an alternative instructional design model based on social sciences theories from the constructivist family and on an interpretivist philosophy of science. Highlights include the role of language; and the nature of truth, or alternative conceptions of reality. (LRW)

Discusses formative evaluation for multimedia instruction and presents guidelines for formatively evaluating multimedia instruction concurrent with analysis, design, and development. Data collection criteria that include group involvement, data collection strategies, and information to be gathered are presented, and rapid prototypes and…

Discusses selective fidelity in training devices, when trainers must choose to simulate only the stimuli that are truly necessary to perform a task. Examples of selective fidelity are described from military tactical training devices; and the future of selective fidelity is considered, including behavioral and cognitive research contributions.…

Discussion of the use of online learning activities in higher education focuses on experiences with a master's degree program in educational technology leadership at George Washington University (Washington, DC) that involves online learning as an essential element. Plans to create an online doctoral program in distance education leadership are…

Provides suggestions and concerns for integrating open learning and distance education concepts into a course designed for adult lifelong learners. Topics include a shift in educational paradigms from teacher-centered to learner-centered approaches, constructivism, restructuring the social context, and the use of media. (LRW)

Examines a computer-mediated communication exercise designed to foster dialog on multicultural issues and practices while simultaneously being a multicultural experience itself. Conference transcripts are analyzed, and results suggest it is difficult to break cultural myths of teaching and the ideology of professionalism embraced by preservice…

Discusses the introduction of distance education in Mongolia to meet urgent needs for education and training with limited resources. Topics include economic changes, educational reforms, the need for textbooks and other learning materials, inservice teacher education, home-based learning for rural and nomadic children, and nonformal education and…

Describes a study of eight universities in England that investigated the size and characteristics of their part-time degree programs. Highlights include government policy; cost; competition between universities; admissions policies; completion rate and drop-out rate; instructional design, including modularity; continuing education; and program…

Discussion of open learning in Europe includes the distinction between distance education and open learning; open learning for new groups, including adults who need more flexible choices, and for existing students; and requirements for mainstream open learning relating to flexible academic structures, learning materials, technology, staff roles,…

Describes a study of an Open University Business School course that investigated the number of assignments submitted to tutors by the cut-off date, the numbers submitted late with and without permission, and reasons for late submission. Implications for tutor training, student support, and management education are discussed. (LRW)

Provides guidelines for schools choosing a media retrieval system. Topics include broadband, baseband, coaxial cable, or fiber optic decisions; the control network; selecting scheduling software; presentation software; device control; control from the classroom; and a comparison of systems offered by five companies. (LRW)

Explains packet radio as a form of telecomputing in which digital data is transported via radio waves instead of telephone lines or other cabling, and describes how it can be used by students to access the Internet. Highlights include packet bulletin board systems and equipment needed for a packet radio station. (LRW)

Discusses desktop video, including its use as an educational tool; interactivity; teleconferencing; equipment requirements; the role of the TBC (time-based corrector) which adjusts incoming video signals and retimes them; creating graphics; transmitting live video over the Internet; Edit Decision List software; hardware requirements; and digital…

Examines the needs of culturally-diverse students in grades 3 to 12, defines different learning styles, and identifies cultural values that impact on the learning process among Hispanic Americans. Also reviews research on learning styles of this population, and discusses implications of research findings on counseling and teaching Hispanic youth.…

Describes the essential mission of the Catholic Church and the important role of Catholic schools in the church's educational mission. Discusses challenges and opportunities created by the pace of current technological changes for the mission of Catholic education and argues that Catholic education must adapt methods and strategies to the times.…