A common method used by memory scholars to enhance retention is to make materials more challenging to learn--a benefit termed desirable difficulties. Recently, researchers have investigated the efficacy of Sans Forgetica, a perceptually disfluent/distinctive font which may increase processing effort required at study and enhance memory as a…

Over the last years, several studies have suggested a possible link between dyslexia and deficits in low-level visual processing (e.g., excessive crowding). At the same time, specially designed "dyslexia-friendly" fonts appeared on the market. This class of fonts presents two main features: the particular graphic characteristics of the…

When computers started having screens (or monitors), as well as printers, a new alphanumeric display was created using dots. A crucial variable in designing alphabet letters and digits, using dots, is the height of the display, measured in dots. This article addresses the same design questions tackled by designers of typefaces or fonts, and shows…

Too often our students submit incomplete homework that is disorganized, unclear, and nonlinear. Typesetting with LATEX, although time consuming for those new to the software, strengthens communication by forcing organization and proper notation required by the precise, formal language of mathematics. In this manuscript we report on a study of 42…

Recent research on negation has demonstrated that while readers are aware that this text construction is difficult, they seem to be able to do little to improve their comprehension. The present research evaluated whether a change in typeface could improve comprehension and metacomprehension of negation. Results indicated that while readers were…

Texts are a group of letters which are printed or displayed in a particular style and size. In the course of the fast speed of technological development everywhere and expanding use of computer based instruction such as online courses, students spend more time on a computer screen than printed media. Texts have been the main element to convey…

Word processing is part of every writer's set of competencies today, and as readers, their expectations of type have risen well beyond the old Courier font of typewriters. Yet only recently have writers had access to the thousands of different typefaces available today and had such power in making design choices. Type has been much studied and…

Discusses basic features and functions of spreadsheet programs and describes additional capabilities (editing, windowing, graphics, and word processing) of two second-generation spreadsheet programs: Lotus 1-2-3 and Symphony. (MBR)

Argues that understanding the psychological drivers behind SMS uptake among key user groups could open the door to a range of user-centred applications capable of transforming handset usability--and hence operator revenues--for this inexpensive form of text messaging. Combines the findings of our own web-based survey of SMS users with…

Description of the Macintosh personal, educational, and business computer produced by Apple covers cost; physical characteristics including display devices, circuit boards, and built-in features; company-produced software; third-party produced software; memory and storage capacity; word-processing features; and graphics capabilities. (MBR)

Describes the Archive Retrieval and Analysis System (ARRAS), which provides rapid access to textual data and fast, flexible, open-ended analysis of individual texts; explains why the system should be viewed as a new kind of working environment; and suggests that such systems may influence users' intellectual point of view. (MBR)

Describes ways in which speech synthesizers and adaptive software for microcomputers enable visually impaired office workers and professionals to use computers in much the same way as their sighted colleagues. Several speech synthesizers and computer programs are described, as well as experiences of blind persons in a variety of positions. (MBR)

Recounts experiences of the Carbon Dioxide Information Center, a technical information analysis center at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, which has utilized a microcomputer for exchange of automated bibliographic references. Procedures and problems in adding microcomputer information to mainframe databases are noted and other microcomputer…

To raise money for a high school learning resource center, a librarian produced a cookbook from recipes gathered at local community events. The process included typing the recipes in WordPerfect, photocopying, obtaining a cover design, cutting and collating, and binding. Two thousand cookbooks were made and 875 were sold. At $10 a copy, a $750…

This document contains technology-based learning activities for the Illinois communication technology course at the orientation level (grades 9 and 10). This packet includes a course rationale, course mission statement, course description, course outline, suggested learning objectives for each of the transportation areas, and suggested learning…