Describes a study that was conducted to identify, describe, and analyze the document representations of Web sites revealed in the hit list of subject searches conducted by four search engines: AltaVista, infoseek Ultra, Lycos, and Open Text Index. Problems are discussed, and implications for Web page design are considered. (LRW)

This study of eighth and ninth graders explored gender differences in computer assisted learning using different presentation formats (animation, still graphics, and text). Results showed that the gender effect was significant in procedural learning but not in descriptive learning, and that treatment effect was significant among girls and…

Description of the development of multimedia computer-based training programs at the State University of New York at Albany highlights the principles of effective visual design, including type style, quantity of text per screen, the use of color, art and graphics, sound, video, animation, and navigation. (LRW)

Describes a computer application that uses graphics, color, and animation to make the learning of statistical reasoning with uncertainty easier and more fun. Notes that the initial implementation focuses on the Dempster-Shafer model, although the design is a framework that can incorporate other models. Also discusses how the tool may be used to…

Argues that there is a whole class of physiological topics that are best taught using dynamic diagrams, a series of diagrams generated through simple animations and based on user-provided inputs. Uses the theory of neural generation as an example. (DDR)

ArtShow is a digital image database that employs sophisticated features for interactive presentations of data. To demonstrate the program, an example database was prepared, based on the collection at the National Bank of Greece with names, comments and keywords in the Greek language. Discussion includes: the database platform and internal…

Discusses student use of computer graphics software and presents documentation from a visualization workshop designed to help learners use computer graphics to construct meaning while they studied science concepts. Describes problems and benefits when delivering visualization workshops in the natural setting of a middle school. (Author/LRW)

This study investigated the effects of two computer-implemented techniques (colour and interactive animation) on learning 3D vectors. The participants were 43 female Saudi Arabian high school students. They were pre-tested on 3D vectors using a paper questionnaire that consisted of calculation and visualization types of questions. The students…

This article presents an interview with Elizabeth Boling, aka Noel Wheeler, aka Skater Owens, aka EXB, editor of "TechTrends" magazine. EXB has edited AECT's bi-monthly peer-reviewed magazine since January 2003. She is also an associate professor in the Instructional Systems Technology department at Indiana University Bloomington (IUB),…

In communication courses, the focus has traditionally been on text: how to craft good news or bad news messages, proposals, reports, and so on. However, rapid developments in printing and computer technology have meant that communication has become more visual than ever before. Words alone are not enough; students need to be able to communicate…

Synectics is a creative problem-solving process developed by William J. J. Gordon and George Prince in the 1960s (Gordon, 1961). A result of Gordon and Prince observing brainstorming sessions that achieved varying levels of success, Synectics outlines the processes that people can use to help them overcome mental blocks while working on difficult…

The graphical user interface (GUI) has become something of a standard for instructional programs in recent years. One type of GUI is the metaphorical type. For example, the Macintosh GUI is based on the "desktop" metaphor where objects one manipulates within the GUI are implied to be objects one might find in a real office's desktop.…

This article describes the evolution of computer interface research issues from text-based interface design guidelines to more complex issues, including media selection, interface design, and visual design. This research is then integrated into the Analysis-based Message Design (AMD) process. The AMD process divides the interface design process…

A comprehensive development process for display design, focusing on computer-generated cathode ray tube (CRT) displays is presented. A framework is created for breaking the display into its component parts, used to guide the design process. The objective is to design or select the most cost effective graphics solution (hardware and software) to…

The author describes use of hand calculators and computers in the college classroom. He discusses his philosophy about their use, and presents several problems which are especially amenable to use of a computer with a plotting facility. (SD)