The American Psychological Association's "Learner-Centered Principles" provide empirically-based approaches to improving teaching and learning. However, in order to facilitate learner-centered, technology-rich instruction to K-12 students, teachers must be afforded opportunities to develop key understandings and skills, rarely evident in most…

Cases have been used in education through a variety of methods, such as case written analysis, case discussion, and case development. Recent case definitions and uses have extended their traditional uses. In case-based reasoning, cases are considered to represent knowledge, and the use of cases is integral to an individual's problem-solving…

Current teaching and learning methods reveal marked differences between how students approach learning and how instructors approach teaching. Little attention has been paid to understanding these differences and their implications for designing successful learning environments. The purpose of the paper is to introduce a framework for understanding…

In this article, the author describes how Eric Fox presents an interesting case for applying functional contextualism (FC) constructs and principles to learning and instruction. He draws several well-debated issues related to the instructional design and technology (IDT) field's shifting philosophical-epistemological roots and pedagogical…

During the past decade, design-based research has demonstrated its potential as a methodology suitable to both research and design of technology-enhanced learning environments (TELEs). In this paper, we define and identify characteristics of design-based research, describe the importance of design-based research for the development of TELEs,…

Teachers often learn technology skills and integration strategies in intensive seminars, ineffective means for professional learning because experiences are seldom transferred to instructional practices. Thus, effective technology integration requires teachers to obtain learning experiences within the context of their teaching so they can…

Several issues related to the educational uses of varied resources must be addressed in order to successfully implement resource-based learning environment. This paper traces the changing nature of resources and perspectives in their use for learning in the digital age, describes the overarching structures of resource-based learning environments,…

Examines strategies used by adult learners in an open-ended hypermedia information system. Findings indicated: (1) a variety of strategies are used by learners; (2) self-reported knowledge appears to affect the strategies used; and (3) perceptions of disorientation and perceived self-efficacy influence strategies used. (Author/AEF)

A study of four seventh-graders using an open-ended learning environment (OELE) on mechanical physics combining computer-generated graphics, computer simulations, video, and print-based materials indicated that while learners built and formalized scientific theories, in some cases, they assimilated new data into existing theories, ignored…

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…

This paper describes a rationale for, and conceptual framework of, learning via open-ended learning environments (OELEs). It highlights development of theories-in-action with OELEs, including the roles of context, system response/feedback, and levels of processing. Discussion also includes examples of theory building via OELEs and implications for…

These two articles discuss the contributions of behavioral and cognitive psychology to the design of computer-based instruction (CBI) and describe an integrated meta-model for use with instructional systems design (ISD) called ROPES + (Retrieving, Orienting, Presenting, Encoding, and Sequencing). Highlights include motivation, information…

Reviews the evolution of instructional systems design and computer-based learning environments, focusing on the effects of technological advances. Classification of learning environments is discussed in the context of the dimensions of scope (macrolevel or microlevel), user activity (generative or mathemagenic), educational activity (goal-directed…

Presents a framework for organizing research and theory in the areas of psychology, pedagogy, and technology as they relate to interactive multimedia; and derives principles and implications for the design of interactive multimedia. Highlights include prior knowledge, the organization and utilization of knowledge, feedback, concept maps, and…

Describes a study of sixth and seventh grade students that investigated the effects of cooperative group composition, student ability, and learning accountability on achievement, interaction, and instructional efficiency during computer-based instruction. Pretests and posttests are described, data analysis is explained, and recommendations for…