Description of the components of expert systems highlights their potential uses in the field of instructional design. Uses of expert systems are described for determining the cost-effectiveness of instructional media; as instructional management aids; as job aids; in helping to diagnose student problems; and as student feedback/evaluation systems.…

Discusses the role of computer keyboard operators in typesetting complex mathematical expressions used in instructional materials, examines the role of software in producing good quality output, and describes Expressionist, software for Macintosh hardware that can be used with desktop publishing and word processing software to enter mathematical…

Examines barriers to the adoption of instructional television in higher education, for both the classroom and distance education. Characteristics that affect the adoption of innovations are described, the role and attitudes of faculty and administrators are discussed, and ways to make instructional television more effective are suggested. (12…

Describes a study that explored the current uses of computers in curriculum development and curriculum management as reported by a selected sample of American school districts. Results highlight reasons for using computers, software used, computer capabilities for speed and efficiency in handling data, and testing and evaluation activities. (five…

Discusses the field of instructional systems technology (IST) and the definition of its subject matter domain; describes cognitive mapping and semantic relatedness; and reports results of a study that generated a cognitive map to define the structure of research and theory in IST. (three references) (LRW)

Discussion of the field of educational technology focuses on the influence of instructional design on its development. Topics discussed include instructional applications of the systems approach; programed instruction; learning strategies, including large group and small group instruction and independent study; and behaviorist, cognitivist, and…

Defines basic concept courseware as educational software dealing with language concepts for young children, details problems with current courseware evaluation systems, and outlines contents of the basic concept courseware evaluation form included in the appendix. Teacher evaluation and learner evaluation of the courseware are included. (12…

Describes an evaluative study of a videotaped class offered to undergraduate education students at Boise State University. Comparisons are made with a conventionally taught class, student achievement and attitudes are described, technical quality is discussed, and a video utilization checklist is provided. (four references) (LRW)

Describes Project THEORIA, which was developed at Carnegie Mellon University to design interactive simulation environments for testing hypotheses and theories of the arts and human morals. Three projects in various stages of design and development are described: (1) "A Right to Die?; (2) "Art or Forgery?"; and (3) "Birth or Abortion?". (LRW)

Discussion of personalized instruction focuses on reading education and presents a systems model for teachers called a Teacher System for Personalized Instruction (TSPI). Topics discussed include diagnosing the needs of the learner; self-paced learning; motivation; achievement; mastery learning; evaluation plan; and cognitive, affective,…

Discusses the role of semiotics in instructional systems research, and examines the implications that a semiotic perspective yields for the research training provided to students in instructional systems. Research perspectives and methodologies are described, including differences in qualitative and quantitative research, and data analysis is…

Reviews the literature discussing the effects of instructional software and hardware in elementary and secondary education and reports on recent developments. Topics discussed include criticism of studies on the effects of instructional software; research needs; authoring languages; simulations; intelligent computer-assisted instruction;…

Discusses and defines immediate and delayed feedback as they apply to computer-assisted instruction and testing. A research classification matrix is presented to provide a framework for classifying existing feedback studies and to guide future research, and a sample bibliography classified according to the matrix is given. (31 references) (LRW)

Describes a model for identifying factors affecting teachers' use of instructional media and suggests methods to increase teachers' expertise with instructional media. The instructional performance engineering model is explained, teacher inservice training related to the Concerns-Based Adoption Model is discussed, and an Instructional Media…

Discussion of differences in skills and abilities needed for instructional designers in academic versus business settings focuses on a survey of Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) and National Society for Performance and Instruction (NSPI) members. Employment criteria and data upon which these criteria are judged are…