Based on intuitive speculation, a literature review, and trial situations with students, this comprehensive listing describes, explains, and classifies the functions that visuals might perform when used to support verbal narration. This summary will be followed in the future by establishment and testing of the functions' validity. (MBR)

Briefly examines research on motivation. Discusses the importance of applying motivation principles to instructional design. Describes the following motivators that can be incorporated into the context of a learning activity: action; fun; choice; social interaction; error tolerance; measurement; feedback; challenge; and recognition. (AEF)

This first installment in a series of edited transcripts based on a conference held at Utah State University in 1987 reviews the main points of Gagne's Learning Theory. Categories of human performance that are discussed include verbal information, intellectual skills, cognitive strategies, attitudes, and motor skills. (Three references) (LRW)

Describes examples of outstanding videodiscs, summarizes evidence on effectiveness of videodisc as a teaching tool, and discusses factors associated with design of effective videodisc for instruction. Such factors include interactivity, visual design, organization, active participation, metaphors and models, personality, and a team approach. (MBR)

Describes a study that utilized a magnitude scaling approach to determine graduate students' perceptions of the relationship of 35 instructional attribute terms to the 4 motivational conditions from Keller's ARCS (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction) Model of Motivational Design. (29 references) (LRW)

Describes a field study in which female students at a teacher-training college in Israel who completed two computer based Jewish studies courses revealed their attitudes toward computerized learning, toward computer assisted instruction programming elements, and toward special elements in the programs. Results indicate positive student attitudes.…

Discussion of the application of instructional systems design principles in public education focuses on a study that examined and compared the thinking of preservice teachers, experienced teachers, and experienced instructional designers about instructional planning. Responses to scenarios describing typical student comments reflecting problems…

Discusses the need for instructional designers, trainers, and educators to have cultural sensitivity, or a cross-cultural perspective/awareness. Considers learning environment, classroom rituals, intelligence assessment instruments, cultural background, teacher-student relationship, nonverbal behavior, discipline, locus of control, rewards, and…

This article presents findings from research in a school district using handhelds to support writing across the curriculum. The authors report that handheld devices can be useful to foster classroom note-taking activities, assist students who have handwriting difficulties, and provide inspiration to teachers who want to create collaborative and…

Examines research on the influence of classroom design on student learning attitudes and behavior and presents two case studies on the remodeling of five classrooms in two high schools to accommodate new instructional technology for teaching algebra. Highlights include lighting, color, surface materials, noise, climate control, and seating.…