In the last decade there have been rapid developments in the field of computer-based learning environments. A whole new generation of computer-based learning environments has appeared, requiring new approaches to design and development. One main feature of current systems is that they distinguish different knowledge bases that are assumed to be necessary to support learning processes. Current computer-based learning environments often require explicit representations of large bodies of knowledge, including knowledge of instruction. This book focuses on instructional models as explicit, potentially implementable representations of knowledge concerning one or more aspects of instruction. The book has three parts, relating to different aspects of the knowledge that should be made explicit in instructional models: knowledge of instructional planning, knowledge of instructional strategies, and knowledge of instructional control. The book is based on a NATO Advanced Research Workshop held at the University of Twente, The Netherlands in July 1991.

This institute was organized and presented by an international group of scholars interested in the advancement of instructional design automation through theory, research and applied evaluation. Members of the organizing committee included Dr. Klaus Breuer from disce (Germany), Dr. Jose J. Gonzalez from Agder College of Engineering (Norway), Dr. Begofia Gros from the University of Barcelona, Dr. J. Michael Spector from the Armstrong Laboratory (USA). Dr. Gonzalez, co-director of the institute, and the staff of Agder College were directly responsible for the preparation and operation of the institute in Grimstad, Norway. The institute was held on the campus of Agder College of Engineering, July 12-23, 1993. The theme of the institute extended the initial work developed by the presenters at a NATO Advanced Research Workshop held in Sitges, Spain in 1992. During the two week institute, 21 presentations were made including papers and demonstrations. In addition to the formal presentations, working groups and on-site study groups provided opportunities for the students to participate directly in program activities. An important outcome for the working groups was the formal preparation of their efforts in chapters for this volume.

This collection indicates how research on teaching and learning from multiple scientific disciplines such as educational science and psychology can be successfully pursued by a co-operation between researchers and school teachers. The contributors adopt different methodological approaches, ranging from field research to laboratory experiments.

Higher education is currently undergoing significant changes, and conditions in higher education reflect changing financial, social, and political conditions, which affect both faculty and students. Both the rising costs of education and changes from brick-and-mortar to technologically-driven programs often lead to a change from the traditional space-and-time bound institution to ones that offer cost-effective technologically enhanced programs. Online learning has become an integral and expansive factor in higher education?both in distance learning and as an adjunct to the traditional classroom. Understanding Online Instructional Modeling: Theories and Practices focuses on both theoretical and practical aspects of online learning by introducing a variety of online instructional models as well as best practices that help educators and professional trainers to better understand the dynamics of online learning.

The present volume contains a large number of the papers contributed to the Advanced Study Institute on the Psychological and Educational Foundations of Technology-Based Learning Environments, which took place in Crete in the summer of 1992. The purpose of the Advanced Study Institute was to bring together a small number of senior lecturers and advanced graduate students to investigate and discuss the psychological and educational foundations of technology-based learning environments and to draw the implications of recent research findings in the area of cognitive science for the development of educational technology. As is apparent from the diverse nature of the contributions included in this volume, the participants at the ASI came from different backgrounds and looked at the construction of technology -based learning environments from rather diverse points of view. Despite the diversity, a surprising degree of overlap and agreement was achieved. Most of the contributors agreed that the kinds of technology-supported learning environments we should construct should stimulate students to be active and constructive in their knowledge-building efforts, embed learning in meaningful and authentic activities, encourage collaboration and social interaction, and take into consideration students' prior knowledge and beliefs.

As we approach the 21st century, the need to better link research findings and practical applications of advanced educational technologies (AET) continues to be a priority. During the five-year NATO Special Programme on AET, many advanced study institutes and research workshops focused on building bridges between researchers in and users of educational technology. The organizing committee of the final capstone workshop which took place in September 1993 also chose to focus on this theme. Three position papers, written by members of the AET advisory committee, provided the background and platform for the two-day workshop that was designed to provide guidelines for future AET research and implementation projects. Nicolas Balacheff kicked off the workshop with a philosophical review of the research issues and future research agendas. Herman Bouma and his colleagues at the Institute for Perception Research discussed implementation issues and problems of technology transfer from research laboratories to educational product development.