From 2005 to 2008, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is funding a series of distance education (DE) studies in its Pan Asia Networking (PAN) region. Eight collaborative projects are under way in Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Laos, Mongolia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Viet Nam. The…

Describes factors involved in designing print support materials for computer-based instruction (CBI) or independent learning. Basic principles of effective instructional design based on principles promoted by Gagne and Briggs are discussed, and a format for organizing a course manual that was developed at Grant MacEwan Community College (Alberta)…

Provides a rough classification of three basic design aspects of audiocassette production in a distance education framework: dramaturgical design; didactic functions or teaching objectives; and reciprocal relations to other media and students' activities. It is concluded that audiocassettes can be very effective and powerful when developed to…

Reviews research on the cognitive and affective processes engaged in by learners as they read which determine reading effectiveness and addresses implications of findings for college level study skills instruction, particularly remedial instruction of distance learners. Suggested features of a study skills program, its presentation, and program…

Reviews general principles of adult learning; describes nature of the adult learner as suggested by the current literature; provides suggestions for the design of learning programs for adults; and reviews the implications of accepting ideas about motivation derived from adult learning theories for colleges and staff engaged in correspondence…

Argues there is a need to support traditional face-to-face teachers who are thrust into the public arena of distance education and suggests adoption of a team approach where subject matter and instructional design experts are equally responsible for distance education course development. Factors influencing this team approach are discussed. (MBR)

Discussion of effective inservice teacher training highlights minimal intervention training as an effective method for providing inservice education to teachers in isolated areas. Instructional design features for minimal intervention training are described, and five elements required for effective training aimed at changing teachers' classroom…

Explores the assumptions of the teaching-learning process in distance education. Cognitive constructivist learning theory is used to clarify current and emerging assumptions regarding teaching and learning at a distance. Observations are made regarding the role of the teacher and teacher/student interaction and whether print based,…

Discussion of instructional design in distance education focuses on a collaborative process of preparing course materials for a distance education course on curriculum at Queensland University (Australia). The viewpoints of the instructional designer and the teacher are examined throughout the course development process. (Contains 31 references.)…

Discusses procedures for the analysis of instructional strategies incorporated into distance learning materials, especially with regard to the development of higher order cognitive ability (i.e., critical thinking). Three approaches to task analysis are examined, including the learning hierarchy model, the concept hierarchy, and the information…

Presents a critical response to a previous article (IR 528 340) that maintained a relationship between a cognitive constructivist viewpoint of distance education and the belief that prepackaged instructional materials are inherently behavioral and lead to surface learning. The author argues that prepackaged materials can help with deeper learning.…

Discussion of staff development in distance education focuses on the Concerns-Based Adoption Model (CBAM) for developing instructional design skills in subject experts. Contingency theories of management are examined, literature on CBAM is reviewed, and use of CBAM in a course team approach for course development is described. (22 references) (LRW)