Rising costs, perceived declining value, and weak evidence of quality outcomes bedevil contemporary higher education. One innovation intended to address these problems is the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). This article recommends that the educational technology community and others get REAL about MOOCs by focusing more serious effort on…

During a career of more than 40 years that links the interrelated fields of educational and human performance technology, Roger Kaufman has created numerous new innovative approaches to enhance strategic planning, change management, needs assessment, assessment, evaluation, and organizational improvement. Through numerous publications, including…

Discussion of electronic learning focuses on outcomes, improving quality of assessment, and evaluation of electronic learning initiatives. Highlights include new directions in assessment, with examples from a variety of fields; blending assessment with learning; multiple roles for learning assessment; criteria for better assessment; and content…

Suggests that the growing demand for educational research to be more relevant and increasing concerns about the generalizability and utility of research findings are related to the concept of "socially responsible research." Identifies problems with educational technology research. Outlines major types of educational technology research goals and…

Responds to doubts expressed by critics of media and technology in education, specifically contentions that no data supports the conclusion that technology causes gains in achievement, that school districts cut programs to make room for computers with no evidence they improve teaching and learning, and that computers are tools to learn from rather…

Considers cultural diversity in the evaluation of instructional programs and products. Suggests strategies for culturally sensitive evaluation, gives examples of cultural insensitivity and cultural bias, and provides a rating scale for multicultural sensitivity in instructional products. (LRW)

Begins by discussing what interactive multimedia (IMM) is, why it is used, and how it should be evaluated. A pragmatic approach to evaluation is advocated, and a framework for formative evaluation is proposed, which focuses on formative experimentation. The educational goals of IMM technology and methods of formative experimentation are detailed.…

Presents a model for the analysis of the potential for computer-based instruction in the education and training systems of developing nations and applies the model to Bulgaria as an example. Highlights include economic and sociopolitical conditions; cultural sensitivity; workforce requirements; teacher skills; available technology; and support…

Describes a Macintosh computer-based Instructional Development Model (IDioM) that provides a platform upon which an expert system for course development can be constructed. Goals of IDioM are explained, including instructional design and facilitating the development of interactive training courses; the use of HyperCard is discussed; and future…