Describes study that was conducted to determine the effects of two electronic text variables used in desktop publishing on undergraduate students' reading speed and comprehension. Research on text variables, graphic design, instructional text design, and computer screen design is discussed, and further studies are suggested. (22 references) (LRW)

Reports on a month-long visit to South African alternative educational programs which are filling the gap between the official computer curriculum and the potential power of computers for writing and publishing. Describes how progressive South African educators use the computer as a tool for empowerment and to subvert the established curriculum.…

Describes a Brazilian university's first semester English for Special Purposes class for library science students. An outline of guidelines is presented for designing instructional materials for a second semester library science course focusing on the application of text comprehension skills, learned during the first semester, to summarizing and…

Reflects on the thought and process involved in the development of a series of computer simulations used to help teach a two-semester U.S. history course. Lists common elements in the simulations, describes the simulations, and responds to criticisms. Discusses student reaction to the use of computer simulations in a history course. (LS)

Focuses on the use of computer services for research, policy, and teaching about women in all settings. Reviews developments in the following categories: large general databases, specialized databases, the work of the National Council for Research on Women, the use of automated library catalogs, microcomputers and software. Makes predictions…

Describes how an English as a second language teacher of pharmacy students developed authentic dialogues specifically dealing with interchanges the students could expect in the retail pharmacy situation. The authentic materials covered such areas as self-service, pharmaceutical services in different countries, server- or customer-initiated…

Examines methods of lecturing in the past, including blackboards, whiteboards, flip charts, and overhead transparencies; discusses the increasing use of computer technology and specifications for future systems; and describes possible scenarios for future lecturing technologies, including the generation of computer-assisted instructional materials…

Discussion of interactive video for educational purposes focuses on the development of a video-supported active learning (VISUAL) resource on voice disorders that used digitized video and an Apple Macintosh computer. User evaluations are reported, and potential applications for VISUAL resources are suggested. (Contains five references.) (LRW)

Discussion of the spread of educational technology and its influence on students focuses on experiences in Hungary. Topics discussed include the design of instructional materials, including software; curriculum development and the use of media; the teaching-learning process; goals of media use; examples from elementary and secondary education; and…

Describes the development of a booklet and video for teacher education students on the use of distance-education technology in remote rural Australian schools. Provides an overview of the use of 15 information technologies in the 8 Australian states and territories. (SV)

Chemsource is a set of instructional materials designed as a resource for high school chemistry teachers, particularly those not trained in the discipline. Materials consist of a videotape demonstrating both generic and science-specific teaching skills and a textbook on varied chemistry topics, including suggested teaching techniques and…

Describes three learner assessment strategies and their possible effects on text design strategies for distance education materials. Prior knowledge, reading ability and text readability, and learning styles are examined; learner characteristics and potential instructional strategies are discussed; and the relationship of learning styles to…

Discusses the lack of qualified teachers in South Africa to encourage reading in a second language among school children and describes a series of posters and a lectern stand developed by the Shell Education Service that provide teachers with supportive aids that increase their confidence. (LRW)

Describes two new multimedia products developed by IBM that are interdisciplinary, multicultural, and nongraded (i.e., suitable for elementary grades through college): (1) Columbus: Encounter, Discovery and Beyond; and (2) Illuminated Books and Manuscripts, which explores interrelationships between five literary works and other subject areas. The…

State constitutional law is an emerging area for legal education, partly because of state supreme court decisions relying on state rather than federal constitutional law. Studying state constitutional law highlights similarities and diversity of legal and governmental systems. Interest in establishment of curricula and materials in state law is…