Discusses the limited exposure many preservice teacher programs have regarding innovative uses for technology in the classroom. Describes the use of a WebCT-based virtual field trip to an elementary school, using constructivist theory as a framework, to help preservice teachers rethink traditional instruction. (Author/LRW)

Describes an experimental study of preservice teachers who developed an instructional plan for a case study within the Multiple Intelligent Mentors Instructing Collaboratively (MIMIC) computer-based environment. Discusses systematic instructional planning (instructivist agent); constructivist agent; metacognitive awareness; attitude; and…

Discusses students' learning engagement and describes a study that investigated whether teachers could accurately judge elementary school students' learning engagement with educational software. Explains teacher's use of a seven-level taxonomy to rate the frequency of different forms of engagement among 42 students interacting with different types…

Describes the four-component instructional design system (4C/ID-model) developed for the design of training programs for complex skills. Discusses the structure of training blueprints for complex learning and associated instructional methods, focusing on learning tasks, supportive information, just-in-time information, and part-task practice.…

Discusses the increased emphasis on problem solving and problem-based learning in instructional design and the need for new methods for task analysis and models for designing instruction. Defines the rationale and means for analyzing, organizing, and presenting stories to support problem solving by case-based reasoning. (Author/LRW)

Discusses authentic activities and case based learning and describes two cases that were developed as support materials for master's degree students undertaking a major multimedia design project at the University of Wollongong (Australia). Examines Jonassen's model for a constructivist learning environment and considers desired outcomes against…

Provides an overview of issues identified by undergraduate students through an evaluation of a distance learning course at the University of Wollongong (Australia) delivered in a distributed learning environment. Highlights include pedagogical issues and solutions; technological issues and solutions; and learning support issues and solutions.…

Discussion of computer mediated communication for interactive learning focuses on a study of social science students conducted at Southern Cross University (Australia) that investigated students' perceptions of the importance of online discussion. Topics include social cohesion; social constructivism; benchmarking; student motivation and…

Discusses computer mediated communication in higher education and describes use of the bulletin board within WebCT as a tutorial environment in which to discuss prescribed readings. Considers whether a computer-based tutorial setting can be used as a tool for learning and as a tool for delivery of information; and discusses course evaluations and…

Discussion of modern instructional theories focuses on the use of computer-based instructional design tools to help deal with the growing complexity of the design process and the resulting instructional systems. Presents a framework to distinguish different kinds of instructional design tools. (Author/LRW)

Discusses digital instructional management systems (DIMSs) and describes a pilot study conducted in two Dutch kindergartens with a prototype DIMS that included individualization and optimization, that is matching curriculum with learner characteristics. Topics include learning processes for children at risk; and future plans. (LRW)

Examines research on a computer-based tool, CASCADE (Computer Assisted Curriculum Analysis, Design and Evaluation), that was developed at the University of Twente (Netherlands) to assist in curriculum development. Discusses electronic performance support systems and the need for increased attention to implementation and impact studies. (Author/LRW)

Discusses knowledge management systems (KMS) and their application to instructional design. Highlights include a history of computing and instructional systems; computer-supported collaborative work environments; object-oriented systems; reusability; a conceptual framework for distributed instructional design; and examples of support tools.…

Describes a set of computerized tools that support the instructional design and evaluation of competency-based training programs. Discusses authentic whole-task practice situations; the 4C/ID* methodology; an evaluation tool that supports the subsequent revision of the competency-based training design; and future plans. (Author/LRW)

Offers a critique of the articles in this issue. Examines the four basic instructional design tools that are described, including tool functions, tool characteristics, and tool evaluation; compares the tools with earlier models; and suggests the need for future instructional design tool research and development. (LRW)