The purpose of this study was to write a computer program that would not only output a color pattern weave to a cathode ray tube (CRT), but would also analyze a painted design and output a printed diagram that would show how to set up a loom in order to produce the woven design. The first of seven chapters describes the problem and the intent of…

This history and state-of-the-art review of computer graphics describes computer graphics programs and proposed programs at Sheridan College (Canada), the Rhode Island School of Design, the University of Oregon, Northern Illinois University, and Ohio State University. These programs are discussed in terms of their philosophy, curriculum, student…

Describes current developments in microcomputer technology, including CD-ROM, the 80386 microprocessor, and the graphic user interface. It is argued that, as the information handling capacity of microcomputers increases, the microcomputer industry will increasingly market information to end users, and the library will be challenged to provide the…

A computer program written for the Apple II was designed to teach college students how to map expository information. The program consists of five lessons, the first beginning with a definition and illustration of mapping. In this introductory lesson, students are asked to answer three basic questions when reading expository text: identify the…

Computer graphic procedures can be adapted at low cost in order to teach the basics of layout and good design in high school and college journalism classes. Both journalism educators and students can benefit from computer equipment used as a vehicle for graphics experimentation. In addition to creating experimental newspaper and magazine page…

A few of the relationships between visual and verbal components are explored. Visuals are considered to be things that can be seen, visible things other than printed words that are used in a communication process. The term verbal applies to written or spoken words. The natural tendency for visual and verbal components to be mutually supportive has…

Assesses the advantages of computer-based instruction on speech education. Concludes that, while it offers tremendous flexibility to the instructor--especially in dynamic lesson design, feedback, graphics, and artificial intelligence--there is no inherent advantage to the use of computer technology in the classroom, unless the student interacts…

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…

There are increasing numbers of commercially available computer graphics packages, both in terms of hardware and software, that can be utilized by instructors, practitioners, and students of education. With the proliferation of low-cost graphic terminals, time-sharing capabilities, and recent advances in mini- and microcomputers, computer graphics…

The development and evaluation of a potential viewdata-style delivery system for computer assisted learning (CAL) at the Open University are described. First examined are Open University problems with CAL and television delivery systems, which resulted in the consideration of a viewdata approach involving allocation of a small central processor to…

Describes ways in which computers are used to help undergraduates learn through designing, i.e., various creative activities. Highlights include projects sponsored by the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) and the FIPSE Technology Study Group (FTSG), the importance of design in curriculum, and problems with teaching and…

Discussion of how we perceive meaning from graphics highlights a computer simulation model, UCIE (Understanding Cognitive Information Engineering), that simulates graphical perception. An empirical study is described that compared actual performance to UCIE predictions related to the amount of time required to answer a question in various…

This sabbatical report surveys some computer software presently being developed, already in use, and/or available, and describes computer use in several Massachusetts colleges. A general introduction to computers, word processors, artificial intelligence, and computer assisted instruction is provided, as well as a discussion of what computers can…

Discussion of graphical user interfaces for online public access catalogs (OPACs) covers the history of OPACs; OPAC front-end design, including examples from Indiana University and the University of Illinois; and planning and implementation of a user interface. (10 references) (EA)

Discussion of computer-based instruction and animation focuses on a study of undergraduates that investigated the effects of two computer-based instructional strategies, visual display and feedback type, on teaching how to troubleshoot electronic circuits. Time spent on various components of the program is also examined. (35 references) (LRW)