Hypertext researchers and designers contend that the hypertext information structures may reflect the semantic structures of human memory. Further, they believe that mapping the semantic structure of an expert onto hypertext information structure and explicitly illustrating that structure in the hypertext will result in improved comprehension…

The effects of three types of feedback in a computer-assisted instructional lesson--knowledge of the correctness of response (KOR), knowledge of the correct answer (KCR), and explanatory feedback in combination with or without a second try on error correction--were investigated, using a 2 by 3 factorial design. The results indicated that…

This study assessed the effects of providing learners with a graphic illustration of coordinate concept relationships to supplement learning from text-based instruction. Seventy-three undergraduate students were given a passage of approximately 1,200 words in length, describing Ausubel's Categories of Meaningful Learning. Half of the students also…

The effect of the interaction between cognitive style differences (field dependence/field independence) and various degrees of visual complexity on pictorial recall memory was explored using three sets of visuals in three different formats--line drawing, black and white, and color. The subjects were 86 undergraduate students enrolled in two core…

The relationship between field dependence-independence (FDI) and the ability to read and comprehend printed text was examined in this study. The effect of the structure of instructional text on the learning process of individuals at various points on the continuum of FDI was also studied. The following hypotheses were developed: (1) there would be…

This study determined the effects of using an instructional game and supplemental readings on student motivation as defined using the ARCS model of motivation and performance. Subjects were 75 undergraduate education majors enrolled in a required educational psychology course at a large southwestern university. All students attended a lecture on…

This study examined the influence of textual display in printed instruction on the attention, performance, and preference of 90 preservice teachers, and investigated differential effects of textual display for high and low ability learners. Textual display was operationally defined as the arrangement of specified elements on the printed page, and…

This study investigated the effects of computer and print text density on learning, and the nature and effects of learner preference for different density levels in both print and computer presentation modes. Subjects were 48 undergraduate teacher education majors, who were assigned at random to six treatment groups in which a statistics lesson…

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of instruction that is organized in two alternative formats--hierarchical (Gagne, 1962) and elaborated (Reigeluth, 1979)--on learner's recall and application of content-specific principles. Sixty-nine college juniors and seniors enrolled in an education media production course studied one of two…

With the emergence of interactive learning technologies, there are many questions which must be addressed concerning young learners. Such sophisticated technology combined with thoughtful instructional design has the potential for both encouraging achievement and stimulating important scholarly attributes such as curiosity and other aspects of…

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of three electronic text variables (run-around, wrap-around, and transparent text) on reading speed and comprehension. One hundred thirty-two undergraduate students in an introductory computer literacy course at a major university were asked to read one of three randomly-distributed passages…

The similarities and differences in the responses student writers received from peer groups communicating face-to-face and by electronic mail were examined in this study. Subjects were 20 English/language arts teacher education students at the University of Virginia, who were divided into four groups with each group randomized to a treatment order…

The effects of three types of pacing in microcomputer-based instructional programs were examined by evaluating learning competency on five achievement tests ranging in difficulty from memorizing facts to solving problems. Subjects were 100 first-term freshmen enrolled at Ohio State University who completed a microcomputer program on heart…

Personalization of word problems in mathematics has been used to increase student motivation and comprehension. Similar techniques may be effective in other disciplines. In the present study computer techniques allowed integration into stories of personalized referents from an inventory of student interests. Stories were produced at three levels…

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of the animation of visual information when used in conjunction with text and static visuals in microcomputer-based instruction. Of particular interest were consequent performance on higher level learning tasks as a result of viewing these forms of visual presentation, and those levels of…