Traditionally, illustrations used in instruction have been concrete in nature with the learning outcome not always considered in the design of the illustrations. This study investigated whether concrete or abstract illustrations were more effective for supporting acquisition of abstract concepts in print media when evaluated by immediate and…

This study investigated the effects of a minimal manual version versus a cards version of documentation on students' computing behaviors while learning to use a telecommunication system (Appleshare), students' attitudes toward the documentation, and students' later use of the system. Guidelines from the work of Carroll and colleagues at the IBM…

This paper presents a global approach to the media comparison literature. Beginning with the pros and cons of media research, it discusses the results of both individual and meta-analysis research, compares the different methods researchers have used to determine media selection, and concludes with the most recent trends in media selection. It is…

The relative educational effectiveness of color vs. black and white television has not been exhaustively explored. While previous studies have concentrated on the factual retention of subject matter--bypassing the subjective attitudes--this study was designed to thoroughly analyze both areas. Using Osgood's Semantic Differential and the Liking…

Describes study that compared the quantitative and qualitative nature of problems in instructional materials identified by undergraduate students via three methods of formative evaluation. An explanation of the process of Learner Verification and Revision (LVR) stresses assessment and improvement of the instructional effectiveness of materials in…

Studies the effects of varying levels of interactivity on the learning rate of 98 high school students using four increasingly interactive versions of computer-based interactive video instruction. Students are grouped by ability levels and results are compared for recall rate, instructional time, and acquisition rate. Twenty-two references are…

Describes a study of 36 college juniors at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis to contrast how well students learn new concepts from working with a partner versus working individually on a computer-based lesson. Highlights include types of feedback chosen and an analysis of verbal interactions. (Author/LRW)

Reviews study conducted at the University of Utrecht (Holland) that compared retention of information provided by three different methods: (1) audiotape and slides, (2) tape alone, and (3) slides alone. Posttests are described, and results are analyzed and discussed in terms of the understanding of memory of an illustrated text. (20 references)…

Compares lecture, video, and computer-assisted instruction (CAI) to identify which method produces more immediate and long-term recall of the information presented in an introductory college mass communications course. Findings showed that CAI and lecture formats seemed to provide better opportunity for immediate recall, although no single method…

Describes a study of undergraduates that compared the effectiveness of three instructional delivery systems: printed materials, a computer-based multimedia program, and a multimedia modified intelligent tutoring system. Research variables are discussed, and the effect of repetition of instructional testing material is explored. (Contains 24…

Describes a series of studies of fourth graders that investigated the cueing effectiveness of seven variables for use with visual information. Contrasting cueing strategies that were tested are described, cueing effects on average and below average learners are discussed, and tentative guidelines for instructional designers are suggested. (35…

Describes two classroom experiments that investigated the effects of using projected-display computers: the first compared teaching a course using a projected display with teaching the course in a computer lab; and the second compared using a computer and projected display with standard lectures. Effects on test scores are discussed. (three…

Reports results of a study of the relative effectiveness of two library orientation/instruction methods--computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and a traditional library tour. Test scores and cost data for the two approaches are compared, and three CAI cost models are described. A significant cost advantage for offering CAI orientation/instruction is…

Reviews previous research to compare the instructional effects of multiple-try feedback (MTF) forms to single-try feedback forms and no feedback in both traditional and in computer-based instruction. Interaction between students' prior knowledge and the number of feedback trials is examined, and future MTF research is suggested. (Contains 59…

This study was conducted to test the effect of learning styles and instructional advisement on subjects' achievement test performance, frequency in viewing embedded, elaborated information, time on task, and frequency in receiving instructional advisement in a hypermedia instructional system. In the first of two sessions, a screening test was…