In two studies, sixth graders (Study 1) and fourth graders (Study 2) listened to or read a text. Some students were asked to imagine pictures of the material. Oral presentation of the material produced better results than written-only forms. Fourth graders benefited more from mental imagery than did sixth graders. (Author/JJD)

Recent meta-analyses and other studies of media's influence on learning are reviewed. Consistent evidence is found for the generalization that there are no learning benefits to be gained from employing any specific medium to deliver instruction. Problems and suggestions concerning current media attribute and symbol system theories are described.…

Studies whether presentations by an iconic system (pictures) or a linguistic system (print or audio) aid learning. Tests given fourth-to-sixth graders showed alternation between systems, using each to assimilate information. Learning was not as effective when content differed between the systems and this information was presented simultaneously…

Discusses the problems involved in matching differences between learners and differences between different types of media to improve the learning process. Thirty-eight references are cited. (CHC)

To determine the influence of media on learning, a study explored students' preferences, perceived difficulty, and learning in relation to a variety of activities. A randomly selected panel of 611 students, grades three through ten, was drawn from the nine schools (six elementary, two junior high, and one senior high) that make up an entire public…

To investigate the effectiveness of three variables in machine mediated small-group instruction, a three-year study is being conducted with 90 undergraduate and graduate students divided into groups of 15. Forms of media presentation, levels of learning and forms of feedback are varied among the groups, and their interactive as well as independent…