Scanners linked to computers with speech synthesizers are used by the visually impaired. A study of 13 sighted children needing additional help in reading determined that such systems provide benefit for children with "global" reading delay, are more effective improving reading than spelling, and are of little value for children with specific…

Discusses and defines participatory or user-design in the fields of instructional design and performance technology and describes systemic change as a context for user-design. Topics include stakeholder involvement, ethnographic field methods, cooperative design, action research-based user-design, user-design decision guidelines, and leadership.…

Describes a study that explored the use of log files to investigate the process of hypermedia navigation at the University of Connecticut's information kiosk. Highlights include the use of cluster analysis; four different types of navigational performance; and external validation criteria, including self-efficacy, perceived utility, and interest.…

The focus of this study was on the effects of relevance in instructional context and reasoning complexity on mathematics problem solving achievement, transfer, and attitude for fifth graders. Results suggest that rich mathematical instructional contexts best support mathematics problem-solving, but simple, decontextualized instruction yields the…

Reports on a study conducted to provide information on the direction of the development section of "Educational Technology Research and Development" (ETR&D). Results of an article analysis and a survey of consulting editors will guide the development editor in soliciting and selecting articles for publication. (Author/LRW)

Examines how, over time, the major definitions of the field of educational technology have reflected changes in the field itself. Major definitions from the early 1900s through 1994 are reviewed and compared; major changes in the field are identified; and thoughts regarding future definitions are presented. (Author/LRW)

Presents some of the early history of instructional development models; discusses the role of models in instructional development; reviews some of the more influential models; and discusses the possible impact of selected trends on future models of instructional development, including electronic performance support systems and rapid prototyping.…

Discussion of the appropriate direction of research in the field of instructional technology, and the relationship between research and practice, highlights two categories of developmental research. The promise of developmental research as a vehicle for creating sound methods for linking research and practice is discussed. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of constructivist learning environments focuses on the concept of grounded design, a process that involves linking the practices of learning systems design with related theory and research. Topics include directed versus situated learning environments, situated cognition and anchored instruction, social constructivism and problem…

Discusses problems involved in implementing information technology at academic institutions in developing countries based on experiences at the Border Technikon (South Africa). Technology gaps, educational deficits among students and staff, and lack of adequate facilities are considered and possible solutions suggested. (Author/LRW)

Describes the academic development programs at four tertiary institutions in South Africa as well as the development of a fifth new program at Border Technikon. Topics include cross-cultural differences; interviews; supplemental instruction that combined staff development and student academic development; integration of media support; and stages…

Examines the steps taken to involve students and faculty in establishing a program of supplemental instruction at Border Technikon (South Africa), highlighting the ways student involvement has been maintained. Topics include training, funding considerations, effectiveness, student responses, and student achievement results. (LRW)

Discussion of how palmtop computers were used in an English secondary school over the course of a year focuses on the perceived effectiveness of such computers in an educational setting and on how teachers' and students' knowledge and use of content-free applications increased over time. (Author/LRW)

Describes the Directed-Self Education program at the University of Bristol (England) for undergraduate small-group project work in veterinary science that was designed to support students in developing personal study and information technology skills. It also produced student-authored hypermedia tools which could be repurposed by staff as teaching…

Discusses the paradigm shift toward more open and flexible learning and training options through telematics, based on experiences of the TeleScopia (Trans-European Learning System for Crossborder Open and Interactive Applications) Project, sponsored by the Commission of the European Community. (LRW)