Describes various new computer graphic display capabilities (e.g., animation of graphics and text, direct manipulation of on-screen graphics elements) and reviews relevant literature that could assist in determining how these new capabilities could be used effectively in computer assisted instruction applications. (Author/MBR)

Although the use of animated visuals is both common and popular among computer based instruction (CBI) designers, the theoretical and empirical foundation for their use have not been firmly established. Animated visuals represent a subset of instructional visuals, not a distinctive set. For this reason, general conclusions from research on static…

Presents a classification system of four microcomputer simulation types developed to evaluate their instructional processes: structured questions and graphics, variable-assignment exercises, diagnostic simulations, and group-interactive simulations. How this taxonomy contributes to three tasks associated with classroom use of software is…