Discusses the purpose and function of educational systems design (ESD) programs in schools of education. Highlights include the need for systemic change in educational reform; an interdisciplinary program on ESD that was developed at Indiana University; preparing specialists in ESD; and qualifications of academic advisors in ESD programs. (13…

Describes an instruction and control architecture for classroom training (ICACT) developed by the Army Research Institute that uses off-the-shelf software to create an authoring system for military training systems. Topics addressed include requirements for ICACT architecture; object-oriented modular construction; and interfaces for training…

Discusses microcomputer-based reformatting of text to help learners with disabilities. Highlights include letter size; spacing; copyright problems; expanding the target audience to make systems more cost effective; writing skills; voice input; and further enhancements, including networked systems and the use of hypertext. (14 references) (LRW)

Discussion of distance learning focuses on a study of graduate education students that compared the content mastery and the attitudes of students in on- and off-campus courses that used interactive video. Theoretical perspectives are offered, including the conduit theory, the interactive theory, and the Salomon model. (14 references) (LRW)

Addresses performance technology issues in the form of a parable. Issues discussed include management and leadership roles, assigning tasks to appropriately skilled workers, teamwork, cooperation, task performance, job descriptions, training needs, management goals, rewards, and quality control. (LRW)

Discussion of expert systems focuses on a national survey that gathered information concerning the attention and investment given to expert systems by managers and computer professionals in a variety of fields. Highlights include uses of expert systems, types of computers and software used, and expert systems shells and development costs. (18…

Discusses the characteristics of a spiral curriculum, contributing factors that may have hindered it from being successfully implemented in public school systems, and examples of how it is successfully used in developing technical training curricula. Highlights include curriculum design, instructional design strategies, course scheduling, student…

Discussion of change and its perceived threats focuses on the concept of design and how it could positively alter the perception of change. Three approaches to change are examined, including improvement, planning, and design; and design is highlighted as offering the greatest range of possibilities. (LRW)

Offers guidelines for selecting community members for systemic restructuring efforts in public schools. Definitions of community and of systemic restructuring, or educational systems design, are presented; the importance of selection efforts is discussed; a community selection model is described and explained; and further research is suggested.…

Describes issues and concerns facing students who are deciding on a master's or doctoral program in instructional technology. Factors that students should consider when selecting a graduate program are identified, including admission requirements, course offerings, internships, and funding; and resources that offer information regarding…

Integrates the theoretical foundations of distance education programs with the selection of appropriate media. The principles of learning that take place in traditional instruction are discussed; instructional objectives and methods are described; matching objectives, methods, and media is considered; and types of communication are discussed. (10…

Discussion of computer input devices focuses on the keyboard, mouse, and touchscreen. Related research is reviewed concerning user preference and performance; advantages and disadvantages of each device are described; guidelines for selection are discussed; and suggestions for future research are offered. (19 references) (LRW)

Reports results of a survey of California public schools that was conducted to determine their educational technology applications. Highlights include types of equipment used, including computers, video, and audiovisual; telecommunication facilities; curriculum areas using technology; student use of computer software programs; staff development;…

Discusses the relationship between mass media and education, and stresses the need for better media education in the United States. The Channel One project is discussed, advertising and marketing strategies are considered, media studies in other countries are described, and U.S. barriers to media education are suggested. (33 references) (LRW)

This sixth in a series of edited transcripts based on a conference at Utah State University discusses ideas from cognitive psychology that have implications for instructional design. Highlights include information processing phases; pattern recognition; short-term and long-term memory; purposes of instruction; cognitive structures; and cognitive…