Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Exploring the potential of a computer tool for instructional developers

  • Development
  • Published:
Educational Technology Research and Development Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Information and communication technology tools currently permeate almost every professional domain. Those geared toward the field of instructional development have emerged in recent years. This article explores the potential for linking the domains of computer support and instructional development.

This article reports on the design and evaluation of CASCADE (Computer Assisted Curriculum Analysis, Design and Evaluation), a computer system that supports instructional developers during formative evaluation efforts. Five prototypes of CASCADE were created and evaluated on the basis of their validity (reflection of state-of-the-art knowledge and internal consistency); practicality (ability to meet the needs, wishes and contextual constraints of the target group); and effectiveness (improved user task performance).

The results of this study suggest that the use of CASCADE could: (a) improve the consistency of formative evaluation plans and activities; (b) motivate developers by elevating their confidence in using formative evaluation activities; (c) save time; and (d) help to provide justifications for decisions made.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Akker, J.J.H. van den. (1988).Ontwerp en implementatie van natuuronderwijs [Design and implementation of science education]. Doctoral dissertation. Lisse: Swets & Zeitlinger.

    Google Scholar 

  • Akker, J.J.H. van den, Boersma, K.Th., & Nies, A.C.M. (1990).Ontwikkelstrategieën in SLO-projecten [Development strategies in SLO projects]. Enschede: SLO.

    Google Scholar 

  • Akker, J. van den, & Verloop, N. (1994). Evaluation approaches and results in curriculum research and development in the Netherlands.Studies in Educational Evaluation, 20(4), 412–436.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ball, D.L., & Cohen, D.K. (1996). Reform by the book: What is—or might be the role of curriculum materials in teacher learning and instructional reform?Educational Researcher, 25(9), 6–14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brinkerhoff, R.O., Brethouwer, D.M., Hluchyj, T., & Nowakowski, J.R. (1983).Program evaluation: A practitioner's guide for trainers and educators. Boston: Kluwer-Nijhoff.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dumas, J.S., & Redish, J.C. (1994).A practical guide to usability testing. Norwood, NJ: Ablex.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flagg, B.N. (1990).Formative evaluation for educational technologies. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flechsig, K.H. (1989). A knowledge-based system for computer-aided instructional design (CEDID). InEducation and Informatics: Proceedings of UNESCO Conference (pp. 400–403). Paris: UNESCO.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fullan, M. (1991).The new meaning of educational change. New York: Teacher College Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gayeski, D.M. (1991). Software tools for empowering instructional developers.Performance Improvement Quarterly, 4(4), 21–35.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gery, G.J. (1991).Electronic performance support systems: How and why to remake the workplace through strategic application of technology. Boston, MA: Weingarten.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gery, G.J. (1995). The future of EPSS.Innovations in Educational and International Training, 32(1), 70–73.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gettman, D.J. (1994).The guided approach to instructional design advising: Theory, history, and research. Paper presented at the Conference of the International Military Testing Association, October 24, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

  • Grabinger, R.S. (1993). Computer screen designs: Viewer judgments.Educational Technology Research and Development, 41(2), 35–73.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gustafson, K.L., & Reeves, T.C. (1990). IDioM: A platform for a course development expert system.Educational Technology, 30(3), 19–25.

    Google Scholar 

  • Herman, J.L. (Ed.). (1987).Program evaluation kit. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hudzina, M., Rowley, K., & Wager, W. (1996). Electronic performance support technology: Defining the domain.Performance Improvement Quarterly, 9(1), 36–48.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jonassen, D.H., & Wilson, B.G. (1990). Automated instructional systems design: A review of prototype systems.Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 2(2), 17–30.

    Google Scholar 

  • Keursten, P., & Nies, A. (1993).Evalueren van lesmateriaal [Evaluation of lesson materials]. Enschede: SLO.

    Google Scholar 

  • Laws, R.D., & Howell, S.L. (1994). “QUE”: An expert system that supports course designers.Technical Horizons in Education, 22(4), 91–94.

    Google Scholar 

  • McGraw, K. (1992).Designing and evaluating user interfaces for knowledge-based systems. New York: Ellis Horwood.

    Google Scholar 

  • McKenney, S., & Akker, J. van den. (1998).CASCADESEA: Computer-assisted curriculum analysis, design & evaluation for science education in Africa. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association, April 13–17, San Diego.

  • Merrill, M.D. (1993). An integrated model for automating instructional design and delivery. In J.M. Spector, M.C. Polson, & D.J. Muraida (Eds.),Automating instructional design: Concepts and issues (pp. 147–189). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Educational Technology.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nielsen, J. (1993).Usability engineering. San Diego, CA: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nieveen, N.M. (1993).Computerondersteunde curriculumontwikkeling: Een verkennende studie. [Computer-supported curriculum development: An exploratory study]. Master's thesis. Enschede: University of Twente.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nieveen, N.M. (1997).Computer support for curriculum developers: A study on the potential of computer support in the domain of formative curriculum evaluation. Doctoral dissertation. Enschede: University of Twente.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nieveen, N., & Akker, J., van den. (1996). Computersupported curriculum development. In Tj. Plomp, & D.P. Ely (Eds.),International encyclopedia of educational technology (pp. 153–158). Oxford: Pergamon.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nieveen, N.M., Akker, J.J.H. van den, & Plomp, Tj. (1993).Computerondersteunde curriculumontwikkeling: Een verkennende studie [Computer-supported curriculum development: An exploratory study]. Paper presented at the OnderwijsResearch Dagen, May 26–28, Maastricht, the Netherlands.

  • Paquette, G., Aubin, C., & Crevier, F. (1994). An intelligent support system for course design.Educational Technology, 34(9), 50–57.

    Google Scholar 

  • Patton, M.Q. (1986).Utilization-focused evaluation. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Raybould, B. (1995). Performance support engineering: An emerging development methodology for enabling organizational learning.Performance Improvement Quarterly, 8(1), 7–22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Richey, R.T., & Nelson, W.A., (1996). Development research. In D. Jonassen (Ed.),Educational communication and technology (pp. 1213–1245). London: Macmillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rivlin, C., Lewis, R., & Davies-Cooper, R. (Eds.) (1990).Guidelines for screen design. Oxford: Blackwell Scientific Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosendaal, B., & Schrijvers, J. (1994).Handelingsondersteuning voor opleiders in organisaties [Performance support for trainers in organizations]. Doctoral dissertation. Amsterdam: University of Amsterdam.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scriven, M. (1991). Beyond formative and summative evaluation. In M.W. McLaughlin, & D.C. Phillips (Eds.),Evaluation and education: At quarter century (pp. 19–64). Chicago: University of Chicago.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shneiderman, B. (1992).Designing the user interface: Strategies for effective human-computer interaction. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spector, J.M., Polson, M.C., & Muraida, D.J. (Eds.) (1993).Automating instructional design: Concepts and issues. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Educational Technology.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stevens, G.H., & Stevens, E.F. (1995).Designing electronic performance support tools: Improving workplace performance with hypertext, hypermedia and multimedia. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Educational Technology Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stolovitch, H.D., & Keeps, E.J. (1992). What is human performance technology? In H.D. Stolovitch, & E.J. Keeps (Eds.),Handbook of human performance technology: A comprehensive guide for analyzing and solving performance problems in organizations (pp. 3–13). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • True, S. (1994).User interface evaluation: A structured approach. New York: Plenum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Valcke, M., & Vuist, G. (1995). A model-based design approach for the flexibilisation of courses. In F. Lockwood (Ed.),Open and distance learning today (pp. 185–196). London: Kogan Page.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wedman, J., & Tessmer, M. (1993). Instructional designers' decisions and priorities: A survey of design practice.Performance improvement Quarterly, 6(2), 43–57

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. the Department of Curriculum, Faculty of Educational Science and Technology, University of Twente, The Netherlands

    Nienke Nieveen (assistant professor and professor respectively) & Jan van den Akker (assistant professor and professor respectively)

Authors
  1. Nienke Nieveen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jan van den Akker
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Nieveen, N., van den Akker, J. Exploring the potential of a computer tool for instructional developers. ETR&D 47, 77–98 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02299635

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02299635

Keywords

Search

Navigation