Originally part of a symposium on educational media for the deaf, an overview of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) at the California School for the Deaf (Berkeley) is provided. Achievements and objectives of the program, such as individualization of instruction and increased student interest in CAI, are discussed. (PHR)

In response to interest from geography teachers in the United Kingdom, isoline drawing and surface drawing programs have been made available to them through an interface program in BASIC. The software has proved to be a successful aid in the teaching of geography. (Author/CMV)

A battery of Graphic Information Processing Tests (GRIP) was developed to utilize the display characteristics of computer terminals in measuring abilities important for processing visually presented information. The tests were found to be useful for measuring short-term memory and sequential reasoning abilities. (Author/RC)

Scenario refers to specific courses of action/events occurring within computer simulations and attempting to recreate lifelike situations. This article identifies critical features and their elements in designing effective scenarios in computer-based instructional simulations: (1) sequence; (2) operating procedures; (3) characteristics of…

Describes a study of college students that explored the effect of integrating metaphorical strategies in various graphic representations for learning biotechnology concepts. Highlights include student motivation, the use of a criterion-referenced test, and student attitudes as determined through interviews and observations. (Author/LRW)

Steps in preparing effective overhead projector transparencies for college instruction are outlined, using the PowerPoint program for Windows. They include thinking analogically in translating from concept to visual form; using the features of the presentation program to create a polished product; and assuring readability (visibility, typeface…

Discussion of interactive, multimedia instructional material development and the development of computer-based training focuses on experiences at UPS (United Parcel Service). Topics include opening screen design; log-on screens; main menus; and lesson design, including color, sound, graphics and video, icons, and directions and instruction…

Describes a study designed to address the difficulties computer science undergraduates have in learning formal reasoning methods. Computer-based tools providing a mixture of graphical and textual on-screen help were evaluated, and results indicate the tools had a positive effect on the learning process. (Author/LRW)

Because the graphic industry demands graduates with computer skills, art students want college programs that include complex computer technologies. However, students can produce good computer art only if they have mastered traditional drawing and design skills. Discusses designing an art curriculum including both technology and traditional course…

Describes a study of undergraduates that enhanced a hypertext environment with a graphical overview that represented the basic domain structure and designed the layout so learners were unobtrusively encouraged to follow a sequence of exploration that followed the domain structure. Results indicated that a visual display conveys knowledge in its…

Describes the potential library uses of technology that link video cameras, video recorders, and microcomputers. The equipment is explained, including color video printers; costs are examined; and library uses are discussed, including the provision of access to material that cannot be photocopied, archival storage, and photo enhancement. (LRW)

Describes an application-specific hypertext system designed to facilitate and capture policy and design discussions. The discussion includes an introduction to the Issue Based Information Systems (IBIS) method; a description of this graphical IBIS (gIBIS) tool; an example of a gIBIS interaction; and thoughts about future research. (13 references)…

Describes several writing projects that use computers to expose students to art, cultural history, and present day technology. Suggests activities for Prehistoric art, Egyptian art, African art, Japanese art, and Native American art. (MG)

Discusses the use of computer-illustrated texts to teach statistics at the college level. Microcomputer-based software that can be used in the areas of calculation, graphics, simulation, animation, and text presentation is described; and use of the software for lectures, laboratory use, and tutorials is discussed. (three references) (LRW)

Discusses the use of a computer-illustrated text (CIT) with integrated software to teach electric circuit theory to college students. Examples of software use are given, including simple animation, graphical displays, and problem-solving programs. Issues affecting electric circuit theory instruction are also addressed, including mathematical…