Towards a Person-Centered Model of Instruction: Can An Emphasis on the Personal Enhance Instruction in Cyberspace?

A person-centered model of instruction has been developed for use in designing instruction in virtual, Web-based environments. This model, based on the work of Carl Rogers, attempts to address several issues raised in the literature regarding: (1) the changing role of instructors and students; (2) the broadening of the notion of learning outcomes; (3) the isolation and dissatisfaction of students in dispersed locations; and (4) problems with authenticity and individualization of experience. This paper posits that Rogers' work can be used to design instruction for virtual Web-based environments, and a conceptual analysis is offered upon which to base this claim. A person-centered approach is described and contrasted with instructionist (Dick and Carey) and constructivist (Duffy and Jonassen) approaches. A discussion of potential benefits and drawbacks concludes the article. (Contains 23 references.) (Author/AEF) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. 1 PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY