The story is told of the conception and creation of OOPS (Opensource Opencourseware Prototype System), which is a massive, worldwide volunteer project that translates OER into Mandarin. The founder and leader, Lucifer Chu, describes how the project grew from his own solo translation work to over 2,400 volunteers in 22 countries. In 2005 and 2006…

Includes two columns that discuss comprehensive systems design in education, including the design architecture and the dynamics of design; and the use of metaphors in explaining teacher planning and classroom interactions, including mental planning and imagery and the relationships between metaphor and practice. (Contains 22 references.) (LRW)

Discusses the role of the graphic technologist in preparing computer screen displays for interactive videodisc systems, and suggests screen design guidelines. Topics discussed include the grid system; typography; visual factors research; color; course mobility through branching and software menus; and a model of course integration. (22 references)…

Describes a research project designed to examine how training in the use of a systems approach process has affected the planning practices and beliefs of preservice and inservice teachers. Pertinent literature is reviewed, three studies are described, and suggestions for future research are offered. (Contains 22 references.) (LRW)

Discusses the idea of expertise as it relates to education and to situated learning based on previous articles and responses. Highlights include apprenticeship and the acquisition of expertise; competence versus expertise; teachers' pedagogical content knowledge; instructional design and traditional schooling; functionalism; and alternatives to…

Guidelines presented for the design of instruction using interactive technologies are based on theory and research in learning, instruction, and/or media development. Also explained is a meta-model, ROPES, which highlights retrieval of information, orienting activities, presentation, encoding in the cognitive structure, and the sequencing of…

Describes a study of eighth-grade students that investigated the impact of computer simulations on students' ability to generalize scientific concepts from classroom to naturally occurring problems. A curriculum for teaching thermodynamics that was reformulated to emphasize integration of understanding is described, and student reactions are…

Proposes the benefits of instructional design reforms for college courses. Design steps include how to evaluate needs, establish goals, and make changes. A detailed example is provided of a restructured art history course which was changed from a large lecture format to self-paced learning activities. (Contains 22 references.) (SLW)

Describes a program of distance tutoring developed by Apple Computer, Inc., Memphis City Schools, and Memphis State University for at-risk minority students. The electronic bulletin board system (BBS) used is described; types of distance learning systems are explained; and research outcomes are discussed, including tutor roles and writing skills.…

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…

Introduces the concept of abductive reasoning; discusses its importance for instructional designers in education; and describes the development of a computer program called the Abductive Reasoning Tool (ART) that helps students learn and understand abductive logic. Highlights include abduction and creativity, and field-testing ART with…

Discusses personality and attitudinal attributes that are significantly related to teachers' positive computer-oriented attitudes. The role of teachers in computer-assisted instruction is considered, use of the Eysenck personality model is described, and a tentative personality model of a typical teacher who is more positive toward computer usage…

Proposes a model for transforming equivalency in education from a unit of measurement focused on time in the classroom to one focused on learner achievement. While allowing time and location to vary across courses and academic programs, the Capabilities Based Educational Equivalency (CBEE) Units model permits the valid comparison of student…