Compares the five classic graphic design principles used to construct visual messages--proportion, sequence, emphasis, unity, and balance--with relevant human factors research findings. Compiled by Williges and Williges (1981) these findings focus on the structuring of information for visual displays in interactive environments. (MBR)

Negative reactions reflected in personal as opposed to educational issues are apparent in the teacher and student groups surveyed; sex differences in attitudes are not demonstrated although sex stereotyping is evident in both groups; and socialization issues are revealed in both groups relative to dehumanizing and isolating effects of computers.…

Discusses learner/computer interaction, learner control, sequencing of instructional events, and graphic screen design as effective principles for the design of instructional software, including tutorials. (MBR)

Based on intuitive speculation, a literature review, and trial situations with students, this comprehensive listing describes, explains, and classifies the functions that visuals might perform when used to support verbal narration. This summary will be followed in the future by establishment and testing of the functions' validity. (MBR)

The effectiveness of a media workshop for elementary and secondary level student teachers was evaluated through a survey designed to determine the extent to which the student teachers (1) utilized media, and (2) produced instructional materials for use in their teaching. Use of specific types of media was also investigated. (MBR)

Describes organizational structure and activities of the Center for Education and Information Technology (Netherlands), a national organization for exchange and distribution of the latest scientific and technical developments in information technology and its application in education, and a service institute to better the use of educational…

Reviews characteristics of computer-based training (CBT) that make application of communication theories appropriate and presents principles from communication theory (e.g., general systems theory, symbolic interactionism, rule theories, and interpersonal communication theories) to illustrate how CBT developers can profitably apply them to…

Review of empirical research evaluating use of video technology in teacher training situations focuses on the demonstration and feedback phases of microteaching, discrimination training, and videotape feedback for teachers in actual school classrooms. The value of video technology in clinical and peer teacher supervision and naturalistic…

Teachers and teachers' aides in large midwestern school district who teach learning disabled and mentally and emotionally disabled students were surveyed to determine their attitudes toward using computers and feelings about computers and educational computing. Results indicate prior computing experience affects attitudes and facilitates…

Discusses participant characteristics, course content, teaching strategies, and follow-up activities of two inservice teacher computer training programs responsive to needs of beginners (providing basic skills to teachers with no familiarity and computer anxiety) and advanced users (dealing with issues of systematic classroom integration of…

Describes a study that surveyed Iowa elementary and secondary school principals to determine computer assisted instruction (CAI) use in different grade levels and subject content areas and their opinions on importance of computer literacy/CAI awareness in teacher selection, and whether all preservice teachers should complete one computer…

Develops generalizations for empirical evaluation of software based upon suitability of several research designs--pretest posttest control group, single-group pretest posttest, nonequivalent control group, time series, and regression discontinuity--to type of software being evaluated, and on circumstances under which evaluation is conducted. (MBR)

This study focused on the users of and their purpose in using the online bibliographic database DIALOG in the library at Wenatchee Valley College (Washington); cost effectiveness of the online system in a community college setting; amount of use the service received; and level of user satisfaction with the service. (MBR)

Examination of methods used by two software review services in evaluating microcomputer courseware--EPIE (Educational Products Information Exchange) and MicroSIFT (Microcomputer Software and Information for Teachers)--found low correlations between their recommendations for 82 programs. This lack of agreement casts doubts on the usefulness of…

Discussion of intelligent tutoring systems highlights various instructional models which emphasize experiential interactions. Topics discussed include computer assisted instruction; instructional strategies; the TICCIT system; branching; the Socratic method; definitions of tutoring and instruction; students' interactions with the computer; advisor…