Includes two articles: one describes the use of satellite transmissions to improve math and science instruction in elementary grades, including instructional design, transfer of learning, curriculum content, and distance learning instructors; the second one discusses new software and other technology for multicultural education. (LRW)

Discussion of the use of desktop publishing software to produce instructional materials highlights a study that used a wrap-around text format with variations in the amount of white space surrounding the graphic to investigate the effect of white space variations on the reading speed and comprehension of undergraduate students. (28 references)…

Discusses the collaborative use of learning materials in distance education based primarily on experiences at the Open Learning Institute (OLI) of Hong Kong. Topics addressed include curriculum issues; instructional design; academic standards; technical factors; copyright regulations; costs; product evaluation; readability; and ethical…

Future special education placement bias litigation can be prevented if special education and related services programs meet certain principles of responsibility, including ensuring the development of effective interventions in regular education, using assessment procedures that are oriented toward intervention rather than student classification,…

Examines educational research conducted in various settings that has adopted network learning approaches. Two categories of network learning are described--collaborative network learning and information network access--and approaches and methods used in studying network learning are discussed, including the design of network learning, network…

Discussion of collaborative learning focuses on a study of seventh-grade social studies students that was conducted to determine whether incorporating structure and training into collaborative, computer-based learning would improve achievement, self-esteem, or increase the number of explanations given. Treatment groups that included regular and…

Discussion of computer-assisted mathematics instruction focuses on a study of high school students that examined the instructional effectiveness of computer-managed videodisc instruction for precalculus mathematics. Highlights include a comparison with traditional classroom instruction and theoretical perspectives, including sociocultural theory,…

Discusses the use of videodiscs in school library media centers. Videodisc technology is explained; hardware and software options are described; and media center applications are suggested, including activities for students, lecture aids for media specialists, test item construction, and creation of individualized or small group instruction…

Describes interactive educational technology and discusses its use in the classroom. Asserts that research about the effectiveness of interactive technology ignores links to curriculum goals and educational objectives. Asserts that a human tutor may still be needed to extend the thinking of a group. (CFR)

This study examined: (1) the effectiveness of integrating verbal elaboration (metaphors) and different visual presentation strategies (still and animated graphics) in learning biotechnology concepts; (2) whether the use of verbal elaboration with different visual presentation strategies facilitates cognitive processes; and (3) how students employ…

Examines the use of collaborative instruction and its effectiveness for delivering two courses in special education to rural graduate students over interactive television. Emphasizes three innovative practices: collaborative planning and coteaching; combining two courses with similar content into one timeslot; and incorporating on-campus meetings…

Reports on a study that required student teachers training in business education to produce open learning materials on intercultural communication. Analysis of stages and responses to this assignment revealed a distinction between "deep" and "surface" learning. Includes charts delineating the characteristics of these two types…

Describes the design and delivery of an Internet course in using instructional systems design (ISD) software for workforce training offered by Southern Illinois University. Discusses ISD and hypermedia models for instructional design, computer-mediated communication for interaction and course delivery (e-mail, bulletin boards, discussion groups,…

Examines factors affecting the success of asynchronous online learning both through a review of the research and through an empirical investigation of student perceptions and course design factors in one of the largest asynchronous learning networks in the United States. Reveals that three such factors-consistency in course design, contact with…

Discusses results of a survey of 10 Florida State University System libraries that investigated how they incorporated electronic resources into their library instruction and compared them to theories and methods described in the literature. Topics addressed include instructional levels; instructional media; trends in bibliographic instruction; and…