A taxonomy of visual attention influencing devices for mentally retarded children is presented. Five studies involving educable mentally retarded students (primary-middle school) are discussed which identified motion, verbal pointers, arrows, and spatial location as the most effective attention influencing devices. Results had implications for…

Fourteen heuristics for producing industrial videotapes are discussed. The heuristics are intended to serve as guidelines in producing programs that present content in a manner contributing to the end use of information by trainees, increase retention, relieve boredom, and/or create viewer identification with the subject at hand. (Author/JN)

Makes a distinction between the instructional development which only translates present curriculum into more effective instruction and that which develops both curriculum and instruction. A management structure for developing materials of the "translation" variety is outlined and a writing and programing technique--information mapping--is…

Discusses three issues related to the use of positive and negative examples during instruction: sequence, quality, and quantity of examples. Some possible resolutions based on available research evidence and theoretical work in the field are suggested. Twenty-eight references are listed. (Author/LLS)

Provides a summary of research on the benefits and uses of subject-matter-related humor in instructional materials, and cites comments of five experts on how to use humor in the design of instruction. Thirteen references are listed. (MER)

The first in a series of three, this article argues that the transfer of educational models and innovations from developed nations is not sufficient for developing countries. Recommended instead are bold approaches to education which can demonstrate direct application and benefits for meeting local and national goals. (MER)

Discusses a prototype system used at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to produce an interactive videodisc program for instruction. The interactive tutorial which is used with MIT's Architecture Machine Group is described as an example of techniques that can be used to produce similar videodisc programs. (MER)

Lists proposed competencies to be used in a certification program for material design and production professionals. Six production areas are presented, within which skill must be demonstrated in at least one, as well as activities to be performed in the areas of communication problems, message design, and media production facility administration.…

Presents specific guidelines for designing instructional programs that will be delivered on microcomputers so that these programs will use the capacity of the microcomputer system in a way that will develop in learners a range of cognitive skills and help learners to evolve useful learning strategies. (Author)

Reports the activities of IFLA's Round Table of Libraries for the Blind to develop library services, including the production of audiomaterials in standardized formats to facilitate copying for exchange or borrowing. Current projects are concerned with copyright, formats, postal regulation and custom law, international relations, bibliographic…

Describes the obstacles encountered in developing a pamphlet to transmit technical information on contraceptive use to nonliterate or minimally literate women in Mexico. (LLS)

Describes the use of the QuadraSync (Q/S) for developing an economical and versatile intelligent videodisc system. A compact audiocassette provides four sound tracks and drives a super-8mm film or videodisc by means of commands to a built-in film projector or videodisc player, all mediated by small data processors. (Author)

It is shown that drilling tends to become contaminated with elements of testing. The two activities are defined, and suggestions are given for designing drills free of testing. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Stresses the importance of heeding the rules of basic instructional design when developing multimedia programs. Suggests that new media present unfamiliar and complex options that can distract from the design of effective instruction. Includes a checklist for designing new media training products. (JOW)

Presents a literature review of research concerned with the production of learning resources in higher education. Identifies and discusses six models which may be used to understand the development and reuse of learning resources; considers staff time in the production of resources, and recommends a phenomenographic approach. (Contains 52…