Describes easy-to-use, easy-to-learn dedicated graphics packages for developing slide presentations shown directly from computers. A general description of the features of five packages and suggestions for software selection are provided. A sidebar provides graphics tips, such as the use of color, typefaces, and formatting, for developing…

Argues that current approaches to computer graphing practices are ill suited to meet the complex needs of real users. Offers an overview of work in two major areas of graphing theory and research: the sociology of science and the educational research of mathematics and scientific students. Suggests what technical communicators can do to improve…

Reviews two graphic programs (Overhead Express and Sign-Master) available for preparing and producing audiovisual aids that can be used to accompany a speech or presentation. (PD)

Discusses characteristics of two-dimensional (2-D) animation; highlights include character animation, painting issues, and motion graphics. Sidebars present Silicon Graphics animations tools and 2-D animation programs for the desktop computer. (DGM)

Considers the confusion of over 20 different kinds of graphics programs. Briefly distinguishes between some of the more popular graphics formats (Photoshop, TIFF, JPEG, GIF, PICT, and EPS), and describes the benefits and disadvantages of each in the context of journalism education. (SC)

There is a lot of educational software on the market, but little of it can be said to be revolutionary. Despite all the talk about education and computers, the educational software revolution has yet to begin. All educational software can be placed in categories of games (edutainment), simulations, reference software, and tutorials. Choosing…

Discusses the value of creating design documentation for computer software so that it may serve as a model for similar design efforts. Components of the software design document are described, including program flowcharts, graphic representation of screen displays, storyboards, and evaluation procedures. An example is given using HyperCard. (three…

Argues that technical communicators should have a working definition of icons, know when to use them, and understand some of the problems inherent in icon design. Recommends using a workable icon classification system and adhering to some practical design guidelines. (SR)

Suggested are features which should be considered before selecting a specific interactive graphics package. Features that allow for accurate estimates of roots of functions and solutions to systems of equations are illustrated. Six graphics packages are compared including display, tabular options, misleading graphics, printing options, functions…

Includes two reviews of computer software that may serve the speech communication professional: Fast Graphs and PC-File III. (PD)

States that every editor, designer, and printer has a favorite typeface and can usually give solid reasons for its use. Discusses the important aspects of type choice and use. Provides examples that illustrate typography terminology as well as special typographical effects that can be created with computers and software programs. (PA)

Reviews evaluation standards that are used to assess the quality of projected graphical displays, and discusses their use in evaluating graphs created with computer graphing programs. Design standards for projected graphs are explained, and examples of three types of graphs are shown. (four references) (LRW)

Developed to help educators locate microcomputer software programs they may want to preview for students in grades K-12, this guide lists commercially available microcomputer software programs that have been favorably reviewed by members of the Educational Software Evaluation Consortium. Programs are arranged alphabetically by title within…

Summarizes how infograhics are produced and how they provide information graphically in high school publications. Offers suggestions concerning information gathering, graphic format, and software selection, and provides examples of computer/student designed infographics. (MM)

Examines several new writing environments, including prompted writing, text-based writing environments, graphics-enhanced environments, and hypertext environments. Evaluates each from an instructional perspective. (MM)