A survey was administered to look at required textbooks used in Instructional Design and Technology graduate programs during the 2009-2010 academic year. There were 91 U.S. programs and 20 international programs that had at least one faculty response. Based on the findings, there were various changes and trends in the types of textbooks that are…

The great need for educational innovation goes beyond what educational research alone can provide. Educational design offers much potential, particularly in combination with research--as design research (research "on," "into," or "about" design), design-based research (research "through" design), research-enhanced design (research to "inform"…

Describes public and private online networks and the characteristics of electronic mail. Reviews the literature on survey research conducted via electronic mail, and examines the issues of design, implementation, and response. A table displays advantages and disadvantages of electronic mail surveys. (AEF)

Reviews the use of media comparison studies in the field of educational technology, argues that they are weak and inappropriate, and recommends a new focus on the issues of instructional methods and learner characteristics. Discusses intra-medium studies and aptitude treatment interaction studies as better alternatives. (LRW)

Effective use of visual illustration entails consideration of specific instructional purposes, method of presentation, student characteristics, type of objectives, and cuing techniques. (LS)

In this article, evaluation theory will be described. Traditional research methodology will serve as a basis for comparison and as a point of departure." (Author/AK)

In a study to determine whether a male/female difference existed in the type of software preschool children selected and preferred (drill and practice or problem solving), results indicate no preference by sex was expressed; rather, there was an overwhelming preference for problem solving software by both males and females. (MBR)

Presents guidelines for determining when interactive courseware requiring single-keypress responses (multiple choice answers) and constructed responses (typed-in answers) are appropriate for use in the classroom. Research findings of studies concerned with these response types are briefly discussed, and needs for further research are outlined.…

Summarizes the results of six studies that examined differences between courses in computer programming and computer literacy, and the relationships between achievement in these courses, student personality traits, cognitive styles, and gender. Suggestions for future research are made. (7 references) (CLB)

Four K-12 studies and one for grades 3-4 considered which math topics could be taught most effectively with a hand-held calculator, which new mathematical topics could be successfully introduced when using such calculators, and what the implications might be for problem solving. (Author/LS)

This study investigated whether computer science educational background makes secondary students more adept at using word processing capabilities, and compared computer science and non-computer science students' writing improvement with word processing use. Computer science students used more sophisticated program features but student writing did…

Compares the five classic graphic design principles used to construct visual messages--proportion, sequence, emphasis, unity, and balance--with relevant human factors research findings. Compiled by Williges and Williges (1981) these findings focus on the structuring of information for visual displays in interactive environments. (MBR)

Reports a study that investigated the interactions of selected learner aptitudes and two instructional treatments, the lecture method and a videotaped presentation. Learner aptitudes utilized in the study involved measures of seven cognitive factors, Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores, and the college grade point average (GPA). (Author)

Reports the results of two formative research studies conducted during the design process for a new, portable trackball-like computer input device for small children. The findings are discussed in terms of the design of appropriate interfaces for young children, and what can be learned from formative research on products in development. (25…