Over the past few years the question of whether the lecture is an effective teaching method has been one of the most heatedly debated topics in the field of higher education. While research on the effectiveness of lectures has been carried out since at least the 1960s, the value of the lecture has been increasingly questioned recently for a number…

Describes a study conducted at the University of Nevada at Reno that compared final grades received by on-campus students and those completing interactive televised distance learning (ITDL) courses at remote sites. Results showed off-campus ITDL students had higher grades and suggests further research is needed to determine why. (Author/LRW)

Argues that television has unique educational characteristics that separate it from other media and have implications for teaching and learning. Discussion of distributional and social, control, and symbolic (audiovisual) characteristics is based on published surveys and on research carried out at the Open University. Thirteen references are…

The relationship between field dependence-independence (FDI) and the ability to read and comprehend printed text was examined in this study. The effect of the structure of instructional text on the learning process of individuals at various points on the continuum of FDI was also studied. The following hypotheses were developed: (1) there would be…

Describes a study that was designed to demonstrate the effects of computer-based instruction (CBI) on undergraduates' achievement based on achievement status and mode of presentation. Treatments for experimental and control groups are explained, the alternating treatments design (ATD) methodology is discussed, and the personalized system of…

Describes a study that examined instructor perceptions of the effectiveness of various instructional methods used with interactive television at Ohio University. The frequent use of the lecture format, group discussions, and overhead transparencies is examined, recommendations for faculty training are discussed, and future research is suggested.…

Briefly reviews current research on the effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and microcomputers. The Hawthorne Effect and research results for elementary, secondary, and college level students are discussed, courseware requirements are described, and research studies showing positive and negative effects of CAI are listed. (LRW)

Describes study of undergraduates that was conducted to compare the influence of the instructional environment on the frequency and types of interactions, performance, and student attitudes. Three treatment groups are described: (1) traditional classroom with instructor; (2) TV broadcast studio classroom with instructor; and (3) studio classroom…

Describes study conducted with undergraduate students to examine the combined effects of orienting activities and levels of practice on learning from interactive video. The videodisc used, "Tour of the National Gallery of Art," is described, posttests and results are analyzed, and suggestions for further research are given. (27…

Describes a pilot project to develop and test a method for determining whether DAPPOR, a computer-assisted instruction drill program, and a print drill program produce a measurable difference in test scores of students learning the DIALOG command language. Recommendations for full-scale research and for modifying DAPPOR are provided. (Contains 17…

Describes a study of college students that investigated the interaction between instructional mode and testing mode. Computer learning and testing versus paper-and-pencil methods are compared, and treatments for the experimental and control groups are described. Areas for further research are suggested. (20 references) (LRW)

Review of the research literature focuses on research comparing computer-assisted instruction with conventional instruction; basic research issues for instructional technology; implications of the information processing model; implications of cognitive strategies and knowledge organization for instructional technology; computers as tools for…

Describes three studies that evaluated the impact of computer assisted study on college examination performance. Two studies compared textbook study with computer assisted study, and the third study compared the examination performance, reading ability, and study skills of students choosing computer assisted study and those choosing to work on…

Describes study that investigated the effects of well-designed computer-assisted instruction (CAI) versus poorly designed CAI on college students' computing behavior, quality of prewriting, and attitudes toward the instruction. Comparisons are made with paper versions of both CAI displays, and guidelines for CAI design are presented. (38…

Discusses ways in which some of the principles for producing effective written text can be applied to the production of instructional audiotapes. Two experiments with university students are described that tested re-recorded audiotapes to evaluate the effectiveness of adding text design principles, and further research needs are suggested. (45…