Courseware (computer based curriculum materials) development should follow the lessons learned by software engineers. The most important of 28 principles of software development presented here include a stress on human readability, the importance of early planning and analysis, the need for independent evaluation, and the need to be flexible.…

This compilation of guidelines for using and producing various forms of media begins with hints for bulletin boards and other displays, including principles of layout, elements of design, and use of color. Advantages and disadvantages of using overhead transparencies are then outlined. Recommended uses of transparencies are listed, and tips for…

Outlines several factors to be considered by teachers when designing text displays for computer assisted instruction. Types of frames--introductory, pretesting, teaching/testing, practice, criterion testing, and rule-example--are defined and discussed to aid developers in organizing a computer assisted instruction lesson. (MBR)

Color monitors are in wide use in computer systems. Thus, it is important to understand how to apply color effectively in computer assisted instruction (CAI) and computer based training (CBT). Color can enhance learning, but it does not automatically do so. Indiscriminate application of color can mislead a student and thereby even interfere with…

This guide to the design and production of overhead transparencies begins with a matching test of related terminology and definitions. Introductory materials include an outline of advantages and disadvantages of using transparencies; a list of recommended uses of the overhead and transparencies; tips for overhead presentations; general…

Guidelines and tips for producing a variety of visual materials begin with suggestions for designing overhead transparencies and instructions for making and using mounts, masks, and overlays for the transparencies. Directions are then provided for constructing thermal filmstrips for use on the overhead projector and thermal slides for title and…

This report describes the development of a Drexel University electrical and computer engineering course on digital filter design that used interactive computing and graphics, and was one of three courses in a senior-level sequence on digital signal processing (DSP). Interactive and digital analysis/design routines and the interconnection of these…

Provides a rough classification of three basic design aspects of audiocassette production in a distance education framework: dramaturgical design; didactic functions or teaching objectives; and reciprocal relations to other media and students' activities. It is concluded that audiocassettes can be very effective and powerful when developed to…

Intended for use by media specialists, this report presents techniques for effective communication and suggests ways of reaching out to various groups. Guidelines are provided for the production and distribution of semester reports on the school library media program, together with suggestions for the development of program goals and objectives,…

This paper develops a rationale for individualization of instruction and after a brief discussion of two alternative approaches--diagnostic-prescriptive teaching and modularized instruction--promotes learning centers as a practical approach to such individualization. Learning centers are defined as compact, highly-structured sets of didactic…

This guide provides the highlights of a demonstration session on how to prepare a newsletter using Multiscribe and Appleworks, as well as suggestions for preparing other publications. It includes basic guidelines for preparing a newsletter; directions for using Multiscribe/Appleworks to produce a newsletter; a sample media center newsletter;…

This guide to public relations (PR) for school media specialists begins with a list of 10 "PR Commandments" and suggestions for ways to improve the media center's image, i.e., a media newsletter; renewal workshops; reference skills units; a student brochure; new faculty orientation; media messages; a happenings board; displays, centers, and…

The Open Learning Institute (OLI) is both an academic institution offering distance education courses and a publishing house for developing and producing distance education course materials. OLI has no resident faculty, but draws science content experts (course writers and consultants) from other academic institutions. The development process…

In addition to the lead article by Andrew Hanssen, Steven Kozlow, and Anne Olsen, this publication contains the following articles related to communications in developing nations: (1) "World Communications Year, 1983"; (2) "Field Research in Botswana Leads to More Relevant Media Production," by Chris Garforth; (3) "Kenya…

The MUMEDALA (MUlti-Media Authoring LAnguage) system is an authoring facility that is designed to enable the creation and control of a sophisticated interactive learning environment. This paper presents an overview of the system, its design features, and progress being made towards its realization. Twenty-three references are included. (Author/MBR)