Examines characteristics of interactive video and microcomputer technology that are useful in the design and development of instructional modules for precalculus, especially for minority groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in math and science. Theoretical design principles are discussed, and examples for use in secondary schools…

Compares the use of computer-based training (CBT) and interactive videodisc (IVD) for education and training. Highlights include research about CBT, including administrative strengths, cost effectiveness, motivation, feedback, and lesson control; steps involved in producing CBT and IVD materials; research about IVD, including content and learner…

Describes the application of audio as a vehicle of information. In applying audio to the audiovisual, computer-assisted instruction format, a consideration of the aspects of dominance and redundancy in auditory-visual presentation is required. Understanding acoustic and informational characteristics of audio and qualities of voice and speech may…

Presents a preliminary evaluation of two types of electronic books, reference type and textbook type, and discusses the likelihood of their implementation in elementary and secondary schools and in university settings. A theoretical framework for evaluation is described, and recommendations for improving the likelihood of successful implementation…

Recounts a college economics professor's attempts to explain macroeconomic concepts to a blind student. Considers how explanations of economics principles often rely on graphic presentations. Describes experimental tactile adaptation, using graphs made out of sandpaper, yarn, spaghetti, and other materials. Recommends developing prefabricated…

The design of video-based materials and development of a set of classroom discourse features to meet the practical needs of international teaching assistants (ITAs) in the classroom is discussed. Interactive use of the video helps ITAs discover and use the language and culture of the classroom. (11 references) (Author/LB)

Describes the case study method as a form of simulation and presents guidelines for their use in professional training situations. Skill development in problem solving is highlighted as a reason to use case studies; steps in creating a case are outlined; and the effectiveness of case studies is discussed. (LRW)

Discusses business training programs and the productivity of training materials, and presents a case study that describes the experiences of a university-based electronic curriculum development group that was involved with the conversion of an existing text curriculum to a multimedia CD-ROM format. Data collection with videotaped interviews is…

Defines authentic technology and describes how it can be developed and tested. Proposes collaboration among practitioners, technologists, scientists, craftspeople, and artists to develop authentic educational technologies. Offers three examples of current social and educational technologies. (AEF)

Discusses designers' need to design educational software for subversive use, recognizing that users fit the use of technology-based environments into contextually tuned "situated" learning environments. In this sense, good design is volatile design, or design which changes with contextual use. These ideas are illustrated with reference to a range…

Reports the use of two different visual-control treatments (self-controlled versus system-imposed) among students with different cognitive styles (Field Independent and Field Dependent). Eighth-grade students were tested to determine how they learned from different design approaches of animated instructional materials. Effect of visual control was…

Describes training strategies developed to introduce Web-based instructional projects to an assistant professor of drama and a senior professor of classics, both of whom had limited computer skills but were interested in including multimedia technology and the Web in their courses. Suggestions for incorporating these ideas into current training…

Culture represents the complex of social, emotional, intellectual, physical, and personal factors that individuals use to create meaning. When these are missing from instructional materials, achievement may be imperiled. Examples of how cultural variables can be incorporated into instructional decisions are presented to illustrate the potential…

Relates the benefits of interactive textbooks and describes three levels of publisher-maintained Web sites for textbooks: textbook information Web sites, textbook companion Web sites, and Web-enhanced textbook sites. Highlights features of a revolutionary Web-based textbook published by Course Technology. Includes an annotated bibliography with…

This article describes a federally supported program of the American Federation of the Blind, which has developed training materials for individuals working with students who are deaf-blind. The article offers a rationale for the program; notes critical shortages of qualified teachers; discusses materials development; and reviews the program's…