Describes in-depth interviews with 10 teachers trained in educational technology that investigated the use of their educational technology skills and their personal assessments of the value and use of their skills. Results are compared with responses from the same teachers from a study conducted in 1987. (Contains six references.) (LRW)

Compares factors required for a successful distance education course to requirements for designing a unit of instruction using instructional systems design (ISD). Application of these requirements to video teletraining is discussed to demonstrate that teaching ISD may be accomplished by teaching preservice teachers how to design a distance…

Discussion of the growing use of computer-mediated communication (CMC) in education focuses on an intrapersonal communication model based on the cognitive experience of the individual. Four types of experiential learning that can be applied to CMC are explained: (1) response learning; (2) situation learning; (3) transsituation learning; and (4)…

Discusses the possibilities of using situated learning theory in distance education and describes the instructional design of a course on soil and the environment offered at the Open University of the Netherlands that incorporates situated learning. The use of interactive videodisk is described. (Contains 49 references.) (LRW)

Examines the implications of the term "goal directed," or "intentional behavior," in the context of instructional design strategies. Models developed by Piaget and Vygotsky regarding development and learning are reviewed; intentionality and situated activities are discussed and examples given; and principles regarding intentionality are suggested.…

Explains how the availability and cost of telecommunications services and equipment are determined through regulatory means. Highlights include distance education and training; telephone services; regulation and public policy; and key telecommunications regulatory activities, including judicial, legislative, and executive. (Contains 13…

Provides an update on optical disk technology as a means of digital media storage and explains why it may become a standard storage technology for telemedia technology. Topics discussed include read-only formats; write-once formats, including WORM and CD-WORM; rewritable formats; videodiscs; and future possibilities. (LRW)

Discussion of motivation in the instructional design process highlights an integrated affective domain instructional systems design model that integrates the work of Keller's ARCS (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction) model with a military instructional systems design model. Phases of the model include analysis, design, development,…

Discussion of the design of carts for moving audiovisual equipment in schools emphasizes safety factors. Topics addressed include poor design of top-heavy carts that has led to deaths and injuries; cart navigation; new manufacturing standards; and an alternative, safer cart design. (Contains 13 references.) (LRW)

Examines new types of educational software. Topics addressed include electronic performance support systems (EPSSs); other examples of electronic support; a systems approach and a human approach to identifying a common category for EPSSs; users' activities and needs; feedback; hybrid EPSSs; and design guidelines. (35 references) (LRW)

Based on a review of the literature, this article examines the roles of a computer conference moderator in distance education. Highlights include the role of technology in distance education; interactions in learning, including synchronous and asynchronous interaction; reliance on discussion; and pedagogical, social, managerial, and technical…

Considers the role of the teacher in distance education. Topics discussed include professional knowledge; differences from conventional teaching, including increased interpersonal distance, reduced interaction, loss of feedback, and interference in message transfer; and reflecting on context, learners, and methods. (23 references) (LRW)

Presents a practical guide to use of the Internet. Topics discussed include getting connected; the UNIX operating system; electronic mail; FTP (File Transfer Protocol); Finger; Telnet; Archie; Veronica; Gopher; teacher education; the Yanoff List; and expansion of the Internet. (three references) (LRW)

This exploratory investigation examined relations between teachers' views of knowledge acquisition and their use of computers in the classroom. A survey instrument that assessed views ranging from objectivism to constructivism is described; and teaching experience, demographic variables, and types of software programs likely to be used are…

Provides an overview to this section that continues discussions and responses from a previous issue that addressed situated cognition and its implications for learning. The situated learning model is explained, including the key components of apprenticeship, collaboration, reflection, coaching, multiple practice, and articulation of learning…