The article presents criteria for selecting toys suitable for visually impaired children, describes five suitable educational toys, and lists toy manufacturers. (Author/PHR)

Presents some examples of bilingual and Spanish materials that can be prepared in the classroom based on current practical theories on the teaching of literacy. Describes ways to incorporate the alphabet into bilingual activities. Considers the use of an illustrated songbook. (SG)

Integrates literature that addresses implementation approaches and phases with media selection research to provide a descriptive framework for understanding and predicting media use during planned change implementation. Concludes by synthesizing the findings that emerge from the integration of these bodies of literature and describing implications…

A case study of IBM VM users is discussed in terms of those aspects of the context of a situation that affect both user choice of mode/medium and mode/medium switching. Results indicate that the medium of communication is itself a linguistic choice. (Author/DJD)

Notes that effective planning is essential if films and videotapes are to enhance classroom instruction. Suggests guidelines for their use, including: (1) how films and videotapes can be effective; (2) pre-lesson, presentation, post-lesson and enrichment activities; and (3) selection, preparation, and presentation techniques. (NH)

Discusses instructional media and media selection principles that focus on solutions to learning problems. Three steps are described: (1) setting the learning objective, (2) choosing the best instructional technique, and (3) performance evaluation and feedback. Discussion explains four types of media classified by how they react to student…

Integrates the theoretical foundations of distance education programs with the selection of appropriate media. The principles of learning that take place in traditional instruction are discussed; instructional objectives and methods are described; matching objectives, methods, and media is considered; and types of communication are discussed. (10…

Cognitive style of 70 students in fashion merchandising or education was compared to their choice of media in a hypermedia lesson on costume using HyperCard. Students used hypermedia effectively to accommodate preferred style; 56% chose visual, 30% text, and 14% auditory. (SK)

Two surveys of 240 and 262 adults assessed risk-taking behavior and attitudes using different formats and source identifications. Results show that these risk-taking behaviors have different antecedents; different formats and sources also affect how individuals process information about risk. (JOW)

Media richness theory suggests that media choice results from matching characteristics with content requirements. Social information processing theory adds the influence of social norms and familiarity with media types. In applying both to continuing medical information, consideration of content and participant environment guides selection of…

Interactive videodisc technology offers tremendous potential for enriching instruction. Although more and more videodisc technology is appearing in schools, the technology is not being utilized fully. To provide assistance for teachers, a study was conducted at the University of Florida which evaluated commercial science videodiscs and developed…

Guidelines present ways to create written material for small group, democratic, and highly participatory discussions of social and political issues. Twelve suggestions for creating effective study circle materials precedes consideration of study circle goals. The overarching goal of any study circle is to provide opportunities for people to learn…

Because information technology is now part of our everyday life, the issue is not whether modern media should be used in education, but rather how they should be used to the best advantage. Media education aims at development of a critical but fundamentally positive relation with media and should start from childrens' everyday life and point at a…

This paper examines the use of the microcomputer as a mediating device, and explores its influence on curriculum. The relationship of a media device to subject matter and the nature of a subject are examined, and possible uses of the computer in science and social studies are analyzed to illustrate this principle. Three main points are emphasized…

A survey was conducted of more than 300 instructional developers, asking which books they would recommend for a variety of different uses. To assist them, a listing of 139 instructional development books taken from a recent journal article was included with the survey. Participants, who represented a diverse but highly-experienced group, were…