Examines issues in the controversy between constructivists and instructional systems design (ISD) that were raised in an earlier issue. Students' prior knowledge is discussed, the development of prepackaged instructional materials is considered, transfer of training and prior learning are discussed, and the need for greater attention to research…

Discussion of claims of constructivism and educational technology that were raised in an earlier issue is presented in the form of a philosophical dialogue. Topics discussed include instructional development; knowledge acquisition; constructivist theories and educational psychology; objectivists versus constructivists; subjectivism; and…

This article examines the concept of interactivity and discusses human-to-human interactivity versus computer-to-human interaction in education. Levels of communicative interdependence are explained, variables that are important ingredients of interactivity are discussed, learner control is discussed, and two interactive instructional systems are…

Discussion of the implications of expert systems technology for decision support in special education uses examples from a programmatic line of research and development at Utah State University. Topics discussed include an explanation of expert systems, their effectiveness, and their roles in training, knowledge clarification, and progressive…

Describes a survey that was conducted to identify the range of software programs in use in a sample of higher education institutions, examine usage patterns, and identify those programs reported as most useful to students, including foreign students. Gender differences and perceptions of Macintosh versus IBM hardware are also considered. (LRW)

The evaluator is an instructional system product that provides practice, testing capability, and feedback in a way not yet seen in computer-assisted instruction. Training methods using an evaluator contain scenario-based simulation exercises, followed by a critique of performance. A focus on competency-based education and performance makes the…

This discussion of computer viruses explains how these viruses may be transmitted, describes their effects on data and/or computer application programs, and identifies three groups that propagate them. Ten major viruses are listed and described, and measures to deal with them are discussed. Nineteen antiviral programs are also listed and…

Program directors from 180 higher education distance education programs responded to a survey designed to determine the nature and extent of distance education and educational technology in the United States. Findings reported include type of institution, type of program, class size, delivery systems utilized, and budgets. An "average" program…

Describes the design, development, and implementation of an educational media technology course at Miami University (Ohio) for preservice teachers. The four modules that comprise the course are described: (1) computer, (2) film/video, (3) information skills, and (4) photography/graphics. Results of course evaluations are also discussed. (13…

Describes how a videodisc of Alfred Hitchcock's film "North by Northwest" was repurposed by adding digitized and computer-generated sound, text, and graphics, to show users the capabilities of interactive multimedia. Recommendations are offered both for working in a design team and for the design of interactive materials. (LRW)

Reviews relevant scholarly literature on hypermedia from two perspectives: (1) an analysis of hypermedia in terms of learning theory; and (2) the implications of several characteristics of hypermedia for instructional designers, including its impact on learner control, concept development, and collection of data on student performance. Research…

Provides an overview of current issues in the implementation and usage of computers in Latin American schools. Ten major trends are discussed, including national policies, training for teachers, computer literacy, software, hardware, curriculum implementation based on programing languages, private support, the absence of networks, publications,…

Describes the Hypertutor Model, a message design framework for interactive instructional systems that emphasizes learner control, presentation, practice, feedback, and learning resources. Problems with software designed for computer assisted instruction are examined; hypertutor systems are discussed; and MegaMentor, a hypertutor system at the…

Discusses educational policy options regarding telecommunications. The concept of interconnectivity in society and in the educational system is examined; and four scenarios for telecommunications policy in schools are presented that focus on differences in the initiative taken by teachers and policymakers. (27 references) (LRW)

Discussion of expert systems and intelligent tutoring systems in the education field highlights an expert system that was developed to enhance the learning process in the field of grammatical constructs. Topics addressed include representing the natural language; parsing; LOGOOP (Logo in Object-Oriented Programing); and user-system interface. (11…