Description of research activities in the field of instructional technology in Latin America highlights distance education, microcomputers, educational radio, learning strategies and study habits, and instructional development models and design of textbooks. Problem areas discussed include students' role, cognitive styles, and effectiveness, and…

Describes algorithms and shows how they can be applied to the design of instructional systems by relating them to a standard information processing model. Two studies are briefly described which tested serial and parallel processing in learning and offered guidelines for designers. Future research needs are also discussed. (LRW)

Two studies investigated robustness of the effect of precise elaborations on memory and relationship of these effects to metacognitions about learning. Sentences which were elaborated in different ways were read to subjects by experimenters to establish levels of meaningfulness and identify effects on performance. Comprehension and confidence…