Graduate students often have difficulty understanding the concepts behind the various models of instructional design (ID). In order to help students in an introductory ID course come to a better understanding of the similarities and differences between various instructional models, the models were developed into dynamic computer graphics to use…

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 most common use of computers in distance education is in the preparation of a visual image that is somehow transmitted to students. This paper addresses some design considerations for computer-produced visual displays that are intended for either local or distant audiences. Advice is offered on all three basic components of information…

This paper addresses some design considerations for computer-produced visual displays that are intended for either local or remote audiences of social workers. The project, "Building Family Foundations," expects to design and produce 10 different educational modules, including: child development; family issues--separation and attachment; family…

This investigation of the use of white space in print-based, computer-generated text focused on the point at which the white space interferes with reading speed and comprehension. It was hypothesized that reading speed and comprehension would be significantly greater when text was wrapped tightly around the graphic than when it had one-half inch…

This investigation of the potential of a Logo environment to develop visual literacy skills in elementary school students focused on the recognition of Escher-type geometric constructions by second and sixth grade students. Four research questions were addressed: (1) whether students can use higher-order and creative thinking skills in using…

This study examined the design, aesthetics, and functionality of educational and noneducational Web pages from the perspective of visual literacy. Educational Web pages were subdivided into K-12 and college/university settings, and the non-education categories included commercial, publications and communications, informational and cultural, and…

Discussion of the use of desktop publishing software to produce instructional materials highlights a study that used a wrap-around text format with variations in the amount of white space surrounding the graphic to investigate the effect of white space variations on the reading speed and comprehension of undergraduate students. (28 references)…

This paper addresses some of the challenges and dilemmas faced by two instructional designers as they incorporated visual imagery and audio components into the design of two distinct interactive multimedia products. Each instructional product was designed as a professional development seminar or series of instructional seminars for two distinctly…