Recent improvements in the human factors elements incorporated in the design of personal computer interfaces are illustrated by detailed analyses of two microcomputers and their word processors (Osborne 1/WordStar and Apple's Macintosh/MacWrite). The vital steps in operation are described through analyses of the behavioral requirements involved in…

An overview of the research and design process that led to the creation of the Bank Street word processing program for children is reported. The decision to create a word processor for the classroom was based on the findings that commercially available programs took too long to learn, required the memorization of too many commands or rules, had…

Educational games are usually developed by copying existing recreational games and adding instructional components, or by using the intuitive preferences of the designer. However, existing games attract people through ideological value exemplifications. Moreover, whatever else they teach, games teach ideologies of either preservation, equality, or…

Authors described how the arrangement of physical space in an open education setting could facilitate the accomplishment of the teacher's instructional goals. They stressed the process of planning in the physical realization of theoretical assumptions about learning and offered concrete examples to support their thesis. (Editor/RK)

Citizen involvement in the decisionmaking process affecting the traditions and physical form of their community is an excellent resource for planners and architects. Outlines steps for citizen involvement. (Author/MLF)

Uses the past to prove that it makes long-range economic sense to demand quality of design and construction on any building project. (Editor)

Denver Community College is moving to build the largest solar heated building in the country on their campus as a classroom-administration building. (PG)

This handbook, a revision of a 1960 publication, stresses a systematic approach to the actual planning process and the utilization of basic principles of composition in designing visually effective displays. A list of five personal responsibilities the teacher should assume is given, 12 instructional uses are described, and four common limitations…

A study replicated Robert Sommer's classic work of library table seat choices, showing that people given defensive instructions chose end seats while people given offensive instructions chose middle seats. In a followup study, defensiveness was measured in college students who were asked where they typically sat at library tables. This study found…

The handbook focuses on the accessibility of facilities to handicapped individuals. General information on accessibility requirements mandated by law is provided. Information on state and local legislation on architectural barriers gives suggestions for where to write to find out what laws apply where. Definitions of terms such as accessible,…

The objectives of this research effort were 1) to develop a methodology for assessing the impact attenuation performance of surfaces in relation to head injury, and 2) to test surfaces commonly installed under playground equipment to determine which surfacing materials, if any, are capable of providing protection against head injury that might…

CHOICES AND ISSUES IN SELECTING MATERIALS FOR MODERNIZATION OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS ARE DISCUSSED IN THIS REPORT. BACKGROUND INFORMATION IS INTRODUCED IN TERMS OF REASONS FOR ABANDONMENT, THE CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF SCHOOL BUILDING OBSOLESCENCE, AND PROBLEMS IN THE MODERNIZATION PROCESS. INTERIOR PARTITIONS ARE DISCUSSED IN TERMS OF BUILDING MATERIALS,…

THIS GUIDE PRESENTS A SET OF REGULATIONS FOR PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTING PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDINGS. THE AREAS COVERED ARE--(1) DRAWING REQUIREMENTS, (2) POLICIES GOVERNING SCHOOL SITES, MINIMUM FACILITIES, AND SPACE ALLOWANCE, (3) DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS RELATING TO HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING, AND VENTILATION, (4) ELECTRICAL, INCLUDING…

DISCUSSES THE SERVICES, PROJECTS, AND PLANNING PROCESS OF THE SCHOOL PLANNING LABORATORY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE. SERVICES INCLUDE--(1) ASSISTING SCHOOL SYSTEMS AND COLLEGES IN PLANNING FUNCTIONAL EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES, (2) CONDUCTING RESEARCH TO DISCOVER NEW AND BETTER SOLUTIONS TO SCHOOL PLANNING PROBLEMS, AND (3) DISSEMINATING IDEAS FOR…