Discusses the development of an Enriched Learning and Information Environment (ELIE). Highlights include technology-based and theory-based frameworks for defining ELIEs; a socio-technical definition; a conceptual prototype; a participatory design process, including iterative design through rapid prototyping; and design issues for technology…

Describes a project developed by AT&T (American Telephone and Telegraph) and Indiana University that focused on the needs and tasks of sales personnel by building prototypes of components of a performance support system. Combining innovative technology to support a changing work environment is discussed, and the evaluation process is reported.…

Describes a course on critical reading at Indiana University-Bloomington that uses case studies of problematic teaching situations and computer-assisted communications to help students develop dialectical thinking processes. The use of two computer programs, Electronic Classroom and RoundTable, is explained; argument analysis is discussed; and…

Describes a performance support system that was developed at Indiana University to assist in the delivery of a distance education inservice teacher training program through course presentations, monitoring practicum activities, and promoting collaboration among teachers. Difficulties are discussed, future enhancements are described, and an…

Discusses problems in the use of performance support systems in higher education. The following issues are addressed (1) development, including software development, collaboration with users, and instructor skills; (2) access, including physical environment limitations; (3) training for students and faculty; (4) student resistance; (5) teaching…

Describes the creation and design of Co-NECT, a computer and networking project created by Bolt Beranek and Newman Educational Technologies to help improve teaching and learning in K-12 schools. Discusses student and teacher experiences, evaluations of experiences, necessary school infrastructures, and the organization and politics of schools and…

Responds to two arguments made by Walter Dick in the debate over instructional design and creativity: (1) "creativeness" should not dominate effectiveness and efficiency; and (2) systematic instructional design methods do result in "creative instruction" when they are used appropriately. Also lists respondent's assumptions and claims. (JMV)

Responds to criticisms of author's work on instructional design and creativity. Clarifies three points from the criticized article: (1) the role of the Dick and Carey model; (2) the role of the client in the design process; and (3) the importance of performance analysis of ill-defined problems. (JMV)

Defines constructivist learning environments and explains why the idea is worthy of study. Discussion includes the different assumptions underlying common metaphors for instruction, the idea of learning environments, the outcomes of learning environments, and the components or functions that make up learning environments. (JMV)

Discusses the link between the theoretical principles of constructivism, the practice of instructional design, and the practice of teaching. Defines constructivism, lists three primary principles of learning and understanding, identifies eight instructional principles needed for the design of constructivist learning environments, and presents a…

Introduces epistemic game theory as a framework for thinking about the design of "constructivist" learning environments, and offers examples and suggestions for epistemic games in classrooms. Discusses epistemic complexity, epistemic game theory, the development of epistemic fluency, and the role of technology in the development of epistemic…

Discusses the evolution of constructivist learning environments and examines the collaboration of simulated software models, virtual environments, and evolving mental models via immersion in artificial realities. A sidebar gives a realistic example of a student navigating through cyberspace. (JMV)

Discusses insights from both the instructional design community and members of research groups seeking to transform typical classrooms into "learning communities," and encourages discussion among members of these two communities. Gives an overview of frameworks for instructional design, and the principles of learning communities. (71 references)…

Discusses the role of interactive learning techniques in educational environments. Highlights include the change in educational environments; computer uses in education; the changing educational model from knowing to learning; the interactive learning environment; and the values of learning. (AEF)

Reports on the Ecole Moderne, a French educational reform movement that began in the 1920s that views technology as a tool. Through a review of the literature, interviews with leaders of the Freinet movement, and observations of Freinet classrooms in France, the impact of modern technology on the Ecole Moderne movement and implications for…