Education and entertainment both seek to create memorable events. This article explores memory enhancement techniques in each field, the potential role of multimedia in these techniques, determining appropriate and inappropriate merging of education with the emotionalism of entertainment, and assessing one's options for edutainment purchases.…

Teenage detective novels sustain reading interest because of their unique components: peer-level sleuths, suspense, intrigue, fast action, and opposing forces of tension. A Spanish teenage adventure series by Pedro Casals illustrates the merits of classroom use of this genre. (15 references) (Author/MSE)

Describes the results of a research project that tested computer assisted language teaching/learning programs in everyday classroom situations. The evaluative principles and the selection of the programs evaluated are discussed, and the applied techniques borrowed from cognitive psychology in the evaluation of text manipulation programs of the…

A study using a computerized educational adventure game with children with severe learning disabilities validated the use of such materials within the developmental curriculum. It is suggested that use of mainstream software may help children with disabilities by replacing teacher expectations with expectations associated with normalcy. (MSE)

Discusses interactive multimedia journal (IMMJ) articles; examines limitations and problems of the format; provides recommendations for how to use IMMJ most effectively; and recommends ways of developing initial tests of its impact on audiences. (AEF)

Lists suggestions for selecting easy reading books for adult new readers, ways to make reading easier, reading aloud and active reading, and follow-up activities after a book is finished. (SK)

This article argues that obstacles to cross-cultural awareness are rooted in Americans' reductionist understanding of culture and structural obstacles within the university. It describes materials and methods used in a cross-cultural teaching approach that highlights the limitations of this view of culture and generates self-reflection by…

Describes a dedicated method for the design of multimedia courseware, called PROFIL, which integrates instructional design with software engineering techniques and incorporates media selection in the design methodology. The phases of development are outlined: preliminary investigation, definition, script, technical realization, implementation, and…

A survey of second- and third-year students at two optometry schools investigated how many students bought required textbooks, utility of the book, prices students were willing to pay, feelings about book price in relation to tuition, and reasons for not buying the text. Class size was also considered. (MSE)

Eschewing Little Mermaid and Ninja Turtle costumes, students at a Washington Montessori school celebrate Halloween dressed as John Adams, Clara Barton, and other historical figures. U.S. Department of Education recently recognized eight schools for using interdisciplinary approaches, devoting adequate instructional time to history, and addressing…

This article reviews current knowledge in three areas: (1) characteristics of mild/moderate hearing loss; (2) the information-bearing aspects of speech; and (3) the relationship between the electroacoustic characteristics of hearing aids and the speech signal. Implications for selecting hearing aids are drawn. (Author/DB)

Examines the need for and the feasibility of a visual arts degree through distance education based on experiences at the University of Southern Queensland (Australia). Highlights include a theoretical background and a survey of art educators that addressed methods of instruction, feedback, face-to-face contact, and assessment. (Contains 20…

Discusses the selection of multimedia technology for training applications. Highlights include differences between media; information flow and pace; the concept of interaction; a comparison of media attributes; visual attributes, including text, graphics, pictures, moving images, and sound capability; and planning for the use of multimedia. (10…

Choice of texts for use in French language instruction is discussed. It is argued that the text's format (e.g., advertising, figurative poetry, journal article, play, prose, etc.) is instrumental in bringing attention to the language in it, and this has implications for the best uses of different text types. (MSE)

Discusses the transition that libraries are currently experiencing between physical resources and electronic access. Topics include technology as tools rather than solutions; media and technology; desktop publishing; electronic books; Web commerce; instant books, or books printed on demand; new types of media; and serving the users. (LRW)