In this study, we investigated the optimal placement of animations and practice and feedback exercises with respect to each other and to static text and graphics in an online DNA replication module. We randomly assigned students in a first-semester introductory biology course for freshmen biology majors and nonmajors to one of four online modules…

Describes implementation, support, and evaluation of computer assisted learning (CAL) projects at three universities: Project Athena at Massachusetts Institute of Technology; the Andrew network at Carnegie Mellon University; and a project at Stanford University. Topics discussed include work stations, microcomputers, computer networks, graphics,…

Arguing that a well designed graphical display can function as a memory store, this article suggests three principles for the design and use of computer graphics: parsimony, accessibility, and reflection. It is suggested that "progressive graphics" are particularly suited to computer implementation. (Author/MBR)

Effective message design for screen-based computer or video instructional programs requires knowledge from many disciplines. Evaluates current conventions and suggests a new set of guidelines for screen-based designers. Discusses screen layout, highlighting and cueing, text font and style, text positioning, color, and graphical user interfaces for…

Describes a computer program that allows undergraduate students to undertake nomenclature tutorials in organic chemistry, where user response is evaluated based on a set of rules that determine appropriate feedback. Design of the software is described, including the use of computer graphics, and results of students' evaluations are briefly…

Describes a study of undergraduates that enhanced a hypertext environment with a graphical overview that represented the basic domain structure and designed the layout so learners were unobtrusively encouraged to follow a sequence of exploration that followed the domain structure. Results indicated that a visual display conveys knowledge in its…

Describes a spreadsheet system that enables students, teachers, and curriculum developers to use Microsoft EXCEL's database and graphics capabilities in the science classroom. System design goals are explained, examples of system applications are given, and possible future developments are discussed. (15 references) (LRW)

Describes the design and development of inservice teacher education courses on application of computer assisted instruction (CAI) in art classrooms, and summarizes participating teachers' opinions on educational value of computer software and peripheral equipment for specific art applications to which they were introduced during the session. (MBR)

Investigated the effects of presentation format (animation, still graphics, text) and the students' prior knowledge on learning a computer-based physics lesson in grades eight and nine. Results of an analysis of covariance indicated that specific presentation formats are not equally effective for the different prior knowledge groups. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the state of desktop publishing (DTP) in education today and describes the weaknesses of the systems available for use in the classroom. Highlights include document design and layout; text composition; graphics; word processing capabilities; a comparison of commercial and educational DTP packages; and skills required for DTP. (four…