Presents a general overview of the use of secondary data in teaching sociology on the college level. Topics discussed include potential for additional applications, sources which constitute secondary data, reasons for using secondary data in the classroom, information about computing, and potential problems. (Author/DB)

Argues that usability research has particular relevance for enhancing the effectiveness of websites. Examines the nature and value of usability research, and the elements of an effective website based on usability principles. (SR)

Explains the value of Sanborn maps in urban land use studies, particularly because of their detailed portrayal of street patterns lot lines, and the placement, size, shape, and use of buildings. Shows how a Sanborn map can reconstruct a "geography of the past" of Boston's waterfront. (Author/DB)

Asserts that technical communication programs are particularly well positioned to adopt usability testing and research in their curricula because of inherent connections between usability and technical communication, such as their mutual emphases on audience analysis, technology, and information design. Describes approaches to implementation of…

Suggests ways in which documentary films can help students in political science courses on the college level understand the current economic difficulties in the United States. (Author/DB)

Uses of three-dimensional objects in college level history courses are described, including using artifacts to enliven and invigorate classroom teaching and to convey a sense of the past to students. Journal available from Loren E. Pennington, Division of Social Sciences, Emporia State University, Emporia, Kansas 66801. (DB)

Describes a practical classroom application of contextual factors, ease-of-use factors, and document design criteria. Offers an assignment which introduces students to the relationship between research and its implementation in document development. (PRA)

To help history classroom teachers on the high school level make their classes more interesting, this article suggests that teachers incorporate short stories, books, poems, and excerpts from full-length novels into the curriculum. Examples of how literature of various types was successfully integrated into a history unit on the Civil War are…

Noting a low rate of utilization of computers by content area teachers in their classrooms, this paper argues that classroom teachers are generally unaware of how computers can enhance teaching and learning and of how computers can be integrated into the curriculum. In response, an introduction to both productivity and instructional software is…

Discusses a study which tested the effects of providing specialized instruction for research literature analysis and use during the initial stages of problem solving in college level psychology courses. Findings indicated that students who learned to review research profited significantly. (Author/DB)

Describes how reference-based instruction can be incorporated into an instructional system design. Provides specific examples of learning objectives and student exercises. Defines reference-based instruction and outlines its benefits. Lists guidelines for how to structure usability tests for Help systems. Advises how technical communicators can…

Describes an assignment in writing documentation that turns the classroom into a laboratory for usability testing, giving students a clear sense of the reader responding to their text. (SR)

This packet of materials is for use by school librarians participating in a study of eighth-grade students' attitudes and the relationship of these attitudes to use of the school library. Included is a schedule of activities and an outline of procedures to be followed in the following activities: selection of students to attend six consecutive…

Shows that Web-based materials enhanced teaching and learning in an introductory operations-management course. Suggests guidelines for implementing such a course: understanding why students visit the Web site, timing the availability of materials to match usage patterns, and providing information in appropriate detail and format. Shows that the…

A program designed to educate Open University students in Yorkshire in the use of videotape equipment for their extension courses has resulted in an unusually high rate of equipment use, especially among advanced students. Probable success factors are outlined. (MSE)