A controlled experiment studying effects of adding voice-over sound to a silent electronic text service tested program acceptability and memory retention. Results indicate no significant differences in ratings for acceptability although the test for memory retention resulted in significantly higher scores for the sound group on recall and…

This report documents an experiment to determine the training effectiveness of a microcomputer-based avionics system trainer as a cost-effective alternative to training in the actual aircraft. Participants--26 operationally qualified C-141 pilots with no prior knowledge of the Fuel Saving Advisory System (FSAS), a computerized fuel management…

This study compared undergraduates' cognitive and affective responses to interactive and noninteractive video instruction on smokeless tobacco. The interactive video group demonstrated more accurate and comprehensive recall than the noninteractive and control groups; they were more willing to promote cessation among users; and learner satisfaction…

WICAT Systems, Inc., produced a "proof of concept" instructional videodisc in college biology with support from the National Science Foundation. The project involved simultaneous development of content design, instructional strategies, software, and hardware, with a principal focus on evaluation of the instructional videodisc in the classroom.…

This study of 87 veterinary medical students at Auburn University tests the effectiveness and student acceptance of interactive videodisc as an alternative to animal experimentation and other traditional teaching methods in analyzing canine cardiovascular sounds. Results of the questionnaire used are presented, and benefits of interactive video…

Describes study that examined text density levels as a design variable in print and computer-based instructional presentations. The six treatment groups are explained, including low density, high density, and learner controlled density; attitude surveys and achievement posttests are described; and implications of the findings for instructional…

The Sales and Marketing Education organization of AT&T Communications conducts ongoing research to monitor the impact of their National Teletraining Network (NTN) programs for professional sales personnel on: (1) learning, (2) student acceptance of courses and instructors, and (3) student willingness to take additional teletrained programs.…

This discussion of teaching methods in higher education in Great Britain focuses on lectures as the dominant method and explores ways to change to more student-centered methods of instruction. A study is described that used interviews and questionnaires to determine teacher and student views on lecture versus discussion formats. (LRW)

Describes a rigorously controlled study comparing university students' perceptions of learning from a business simulation and from cases in a business policy course. Results indicate students perceive both cases and simulations as viable and valuable instructional methods, although cases are perceived to be generally superior to simulations. (MBR)

This discussion of research on media influences on learning describes a study of 611 students, grades three through 10, that examined user preconceptions about learning activities; examined differences in preconceptions across demographic subgroups based on gender and grade level; and interpreted results according to a theoretical learning model.…

Describes study that investigated the effects of medium of instructional practice, task difficulty, and gender on continuing motivation. Microcomputers and paper and pencil format were compared on tasks at a hard or easy difficulty level with fifth and sixth grade students, and questionnaires were used to determine student attitudes. (Author/LRW)

Reviews two studies whose results indicate that students who share computers develop better work skills and social attitudes. One study, using eighth graders and a computer simulation, measured performance on worksheets and final exams. The second study used language learning via computer-assisted instruction to compare results on achievement…

Discussion of the use of computer drills in education focuses on a study designed to compare the effect of a progressive state drill with the effect of having high school students implement their own strategies using flashcards. The use of sequential analysis is explained, and student attitudes are examined. (26 references) (Author/LRW)

Describes study designed to investigate dental students' attitudes toward computer-assisted teaching as applied in programs for oral radiology in Denmark. Programs using personal computers and slide projectors with varying degrees of learner and teacher control are described, and differences in attitudes between male and female students are…

This study investigated the effects of medium of instruction, task difficulty, and gender on continuing motivation. A total of 139 fifth and sixth graders with previous computer experience completed an initial learning task in one of the two media formats (computer or paper/pencil) and under either a hard or easy difficulty level. Students' choice…