ERIC Number: ED485094
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2004-Oct
Pages: 7
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
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The Value of Modularity in Instructional Design: Implications for Improved Validity in the Evaluation of New Techniques in Distance Learning
Yates, Kenneth A.; Feldon, David F.
Association for Educational Communications and Technology, 27th, Chicago, IL, October 19-23, 2004
In the development of distance learning, advances in cognitive science merge with new technology to deliver instruction worldwide. However, one major difficulty in evaluating the efficacy of these tools is determining which elements of instruction truly lead to observed changes in student performance. As content, pedagogical methods, and media are intertwined, identifying the "active ingredients" is an essential element of facilitating training that is of high quality and minimizes development costs (Clark & Estes, 2000). To accurately evaluate applications in the field, researchers must be able to identify specific instructional components, make decisions on who and what will be subject to treatment, and accurately draw inferences regarding causal interactions without the control offered by a laboratory. The purpose of this paper is to briefly review current use of various research methods for evaluating instructional technologies, discuss previous solutions to balancing the conflicting demands of internal and external validity, and then to propose a new research design that achieves this goal in a manner compatible with many instructional technology applications.
Descriptors: Research Design, Research Methodology, Inferences, Validity, Instructional Design, Cognitive Psychology, Distance Education, Educational Technology, Teaching Methods, Evaluation Methods
Association for Educational Communications and Technology. 1800 North Stonelake Drive Suite 2, Bloomington, IN 47408. Tel: 877-677-2328; Tel: 812-335-7675; e-mail: aect@aect.org; Web site: http://www.aect.org
Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Association for Educational Communications and Technology, Washington, DC.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A