The paper argues that microcomputers can be useful in providing visual stimulation to young visually handicapped children. Monitors can present materials in a "back-lit" manner, and input devices such as the touch sensitive screen allow children to interact directly with the images on the screen. (Author/DB)

Crucial, technologically oriented issues currently facing educators are addressed in the following 11 articles: (1) "The Definition of Educational Technology: An Emerging Stability," by Donald P. Ely; (2) "Media Applications to Instruction: Current Theoretical Considerations," by Gerald M. Torkelson; (3) "The Dilemma of…

The effects of visual grouping strategies involving animated and static graphic presentations on learning were studied. Also studied was the ability of students to learn a scientific rule presented incidentally in an animated sequence in the hope of replicating results from previous research. A total of 39 fourth graders participated in an…

Eleven British students (ages 16-19) with severe learning difficulties were presented with microcomputer switches which activated various visual and auditory contingencies. Students were able to indicate a preference for specific contingencies when placed in a carefully designed situation. Visual rewards did not generate strong preferences. (JDD)

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of the animation of visual information when used in conjunction with text and static visuals in microcomputer-based instruction. Of particular interest were consequent performance on higher level learning tasks as a result of viewing these forms of visual presentation, and those levels of…

Effectiveness of two versions of computer software used as an electronic blackboard to present geometric concepts to ninth grade students was compared. The experimental version incorporated color, animation, and nonverbal sounds as stimuli; the no-stimulus version was monochrome. Both immediate and delayed learning were significantly better for…

The effect of an imagery cue and an attention-directing strategy within the context of a microcomputer learning environment was studied using 180 Ohio State University freshmen. The environment provided both self-paced and externally paced instruction. It appears that the attention strategy and embedding of an imagery cue increased students'…

The proposal put forward in this presentation centers on the use of the microcomputer for the generation of educational research, both as a powerful tool for information collection and as a means for analyzing the generated data. The microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) principles described in this paper may be used in rural classroom settings as…

While much of microcomputer-based instruction (MCBI) is oriented to provide self-paced instruction to adjust for individual differences, there is some indication from cognitive theory that self-pacing may not be the best approach to improving learning. In addition, research in the area of cognitive imagery mediation has indicated that imagery…

Describes study that was designed to examine the impact of action and sound on preschool children's preferential selection and recall of verbal content presented in a computer microworld. Visual superiority and auditory superiority hypotheses are discussed, sex differences are examined, and results indicate the importance of including action. (29…

Two visually impaired children, aged 8 and 10, appeared to have severe difficulty in recognizing faces. After assessment, it became apparent that only one had unusually poor facial recognition skills. After training, which included matching face photographs, schematic faces, and digitized faces, there was no evidence of any improvement.…

Designed to help create effective presentations using liquid crystal display (LCD) panels, this guide contains the basic information on LCD panels, as well as suggestions on when, where and how to best use them, presented in a step-by-step procedure format. Seven topics are addressed in the guide: (1) eight steps to a successful meeting…

Describes an experiment that was conducted using a digital video course to determine the effects of multimedia interface capabilities on computer-assisted instruction, particularly on recall performance and attitude. Results are reported that indicate motion video is more effective than slides, and design guidelines are suggested. (34 references)…

The leisure preferences of a seven-year-old boy with severe mental retardation were systematically analyzed through the application of a computerized assessment procedure. A switch-activated microcomputer and a computer program designed to interpret the switch activations enabled the boy to choose among three leisure activities: auditory, visual,…