This article describes one school district department's efforts to train and support teachers in providing effective curriculum, instruction, and assessment methods to their students. This large, K-12 district embraces the spectrum of low to high SES schools, a large number of gifted students from diverse populations, and a variety of gifted…

This article raises questions about the use of needs assessment by those seeking to improve the performance of organizations and individuals. While the discrepancy model of needs assessment has enjoyed a long history and is widely accepted, the author states that it has several undesirable consequences in terms of its impact. This article offers…

Contemporary changes in pedagogy point to the need for a higher level of video production value in most classroom video, replacing the default video protocol of an unattended camera in the back of the classroom. The rich and complex environment of today's classroom can be captured more fully using the higher level, but still easily manageable,…

From a review of instructional design theories, research, and practice, the author has derived his "First Principles of Instruction". In this article, he suggests a rubric for using these principles to evaluate existing instruction. The article presents a Course Evaluation form and accompanying demonstration and application rubrics that enable the…

Presents an instructional design framework that stresses the alignment of learning outcomes, learning activities, and evaluation and feedback. Focuses on student learning rather than instructional input; encourages faculty development to enable them to design their own courses; considers course resources, practice activities, and interaction; and…

Reviews some of the current approaches for assessing asynchronous interaction. Describes an approach to assessing the contributions of students to an asynchronous forum (WebBoard) based on social constructivist learning theory. Presents a taxonomy of computer mediated discourse organized by the Simmons levels of assessing reflective thinking. (AEF)

Discusses the money wasted on ineffective training programs and the resulting surge in interest among training professionals in conducting learning evaluation and return on investment (ROI) measurement. Describes Kirkpatrick's four-level evaluation concept; questions regarding measurement validity and reliability; and new developments in learning…

Discusses level 3 evaluation from Donald Kirkpatrick's Four Level Evaluation Model (level: 1-reaction; 2-learning; 3-behavior; 4-results) to measure training program performance. Highlights include an evaluation planning matrix; increasing evaluation data accuracy and reliability; data collection method selection; designing data collection…

Considers fundamentals of effective training and focuses on the evaluation of training. Describes the 3 Box System, which provides a framework for discussing: (1) basic training needs and priorities; (2) added value training, including ROI (return on investment); evaluation; and (3) prioritizing training budgets. (LRW)

Considers the implications that broadening the definition of learning would have for educators and educational technologists. This special issues addresses the task of redefining learning from a variety of perspectives. The authors draw on different frameworks of analysis, exploring what it means to be learning at levels ranging from the…

Considers what the future of education could look like. Highlights include electronic learning and distance education scenarios; new educational models with no traditional classrooms; community and business involvement; instructional design and assessment practices; higher-order skills; educational research; professional development; technology…

Explains the University of Minnesota Learning Software Design Competition, focusing on its goals and emphasis on innovation. Describes the review process to evaluate and judge the software, lists the winners, identifies a new class of educational software, and outlines plans for future competitions. (Author/LRW)

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…

Places three interrelated trends in online learning (reusable learning objects, blended learning, and instructional design) within the context of schools. Highlights include the need for collaboration and cooperation among schools; learning management systems; acquainting teachers with instructional design principles; redefining the roles of…

Discusses the use of digital video projects for online courses in higher education and presents a list of 10 recommendations for helping faculty with the digital video project development process. Highlights include timelines; funding; planning; knowing the audience; hardware and software choices; evaluation; research; and publicizing the…