Discusses microcomputer-based graphics and describes software for Windows and other operating systems. Highlights include file formats for painting and drawing; sources of artwork, including clip art, scanning, and public domain images; examples; and graphics toolkits. A review of 26 recent articles on personal computers, other hardware, and…

States that every editor, designer, and printer has a favorite typeface and can usually give solid reasons for its use. Discusses the important aspects of type choice and use. Provides examples that illustrate typography terminology as well as special typographical effects that can be created with computers and software programs. (PA)

Suggests that, when creating graphics files for documents in a Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) environment, technical writers should consider the differences between bitmapped and vector file formats; be familiar with available file formats; determine which graphics format best meets the needs; and incorporate the graphic into the SGML…

Arguing that mathematics is a form of communication that students need help in understanding, this article describes a set of seven simple interactive LogoWriter tools that can be used to help children explore the language of multiplication. Examples of the use of graphics in responding to children's commands are provided and several exercises are…

Suggests that critical thinking and higher level thinking, involving such abilities as analysis, reasoning, decision making, problem solving, and evaluation, occur as a function of reanalyzing and restructuring information. Presents software for students and teachers to handle such knowledge restructuring, particularly as it is presented in…

One of the most remarkable devices embedded in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet is known as the spinner. Its staggering simplicity is undoubtedly its strength. As an incrementing device that allows graphs to dance across the screen, it gives the concept of variability a whole new meaning. Spinners and their close cousins scroll bars can be grabbed…

This study of the relationship of computer technology to character animation focuses on the advantages and constraints of developing three-dimensional characters for computer animation. Three different levels of the complexity involved in animating characters are examined: (1) a three-dimensional computer environment and simple motion within this…

A computer-based method for producing 35mm color slides has been used in Ohio State University's College of Dentistry. The method can produce both text and slides in less than two hours, providing substantial flexibility in planning and revising visual presentations. (Author/MLW)

Interactive computer graphics is fast becoming the standard medium of communication between computers and all kinds of users. Reasons for this trend, the technology of interactive graphics displays, software considerations, applications (including classroom and laboratory applications), and future developments are discussed. (JN)

Presents a programing subroutine which will create a graphical plot that occupies any number of columns specified by user and will run with versions of BASIC programming language. Illustrations of the subroutine's ability to operate successfully for three possibilities (negative values, positive values, and both positive and negative values) are…

This study assesses the relationship of student performance using two microcomputer instructional application software designs, one with graphics and the other without graphics, as a teaching aid in comma usage. Results indicated that there was no significant difference in performance between the graphic and nongraphic treatment groups. (CT)

Presents the listing (and documentation) for an arithmetic drill program with color graphics and sound. The program offers simple arithmetic problems illustrated by colorful dinosaurs. A buzzer sounds if an answer is incorrect while a short piece of dinosaur music is heard if an answer is correct. (JN)

Discusses basic features and functions of spreadsheet programs and describes additional capabilities (editing, windowing, graphics, and word processing) of two second-generation spreadsheet programs: Lotus 1-2-3 and Symphony. (MBR)

Epicycloids are formed by tracing the path of a fixed point on a circle as it rolls aroung the outside of a larger circle. Examines several possibilities related to epicycloids (and hypocycloids), presenting more mathematical patterns and artistic shapes that result from using several computer programs. Program listings are included. (JN)

Discusses the hardware and software necessary to generate charts and graphs to illustrate numeric data using a microcomputer. The manufacturer, price, operating system, memory requirements, and types of graphs they can produce are given for nine graphics software packages and seven inexpensive plotters. (MBR)