Two papers describe a 3-year project being conducted to evaluate the feasibility of replacing traditional slide-tape materials in a criterion-referenced, modularized, self-paced curriculum in dentistry with color microfiche and audiotapes. The experimental materials are being used with a microfiche-audiotape unit controlled by a microprocessor. Each frame of the microfiche is a copy of a 35mm slide which can be accessed randomly without disturbing the sequence of pictures, a feature which would permit the development of a random access branching, programmed learning system. Modules the dental student must study have been randomly divided into three groups for each of the years of the program: modules available only in slide-tapes, modules available only in microfiche-tape, and modules available in both formats. Students will have an approximately equal number of experiences with slides and with microfiche, except for the modules that are available in both, making the choice of format an indicator of the relative affective value of the two modes. Analysis of the final results will compare the management requirements and problems of both formats and their cost effectiveness, as well as student achievement and student attitudes toward the learning materials. Each paper lists 19 references. (CHC)