Careful analysis of the instructional materials available for the mainstreamed student is necessary for effective teaching. A checklist for such analysis considers: appropriate objectives; readability; interest level; method of presentation; prerequisites; format; task length, number, and difficulty; criterion level for success; and…

Considerations in the selection and use of a video document for classroom language instruction are outlined and a variety of activities using videos are suggested. (MSE)

Various approaches to developing and implementing economics curricula are explored, including positive and normative economics, teacher-developed informal curriculum, district-developed formal curriculum, "outside" curriculum, the infusion approach, or as a separate course. It is suggested that a "blend" of the alternatives may optimize the…

Five guidelines are presented for selecting educational courseware. Student behavioral objectives should be stated. Motivational and informative feedback should be provided. The type of student control should be appropriate to the learner and the task. The content should be accurate, and the pedagogical approach should be acceptable to the school…

Describes the current status and limitations of expert systems, and explores the possible applications of such systems in education and training. The use of expert systems as tutors, as job aids, and as a vehicle for students to develop their own expert systems on specific topics are discussed. (40 references) (CLB)

Studies two examples of Harold Innis' social theory to show that he had a sophisticated ecological understanding of the many forces at work in social dynamics. Argues that Innis' concept of monopolies of knowledge involved freedom both in elite control of a dominant technology and popular resistance to this dominance. (JD)

Outlines the history of the use of the Instructional Design Process (a "systems approach" that can be applied to the curriculum development process) and its advantages. Includes a summary of the process and a list of references. (MD

Presents an overview and an example of use of the Information-Visualization System, an approach to visual selection enabling educators to match desired learning outcomes with the best visuals to carry the message. Decision tables and resource book containing visual options, information types, and suggested methods of enhancing visuals are…

Discusses the benefits and disadvantages of television as a learning medium for adults. Concludes that television's positive benefits outweigh the negative effects, provided that the medium is seen as just one part of a larger whole. (CH)

Discusses video teleconferencing as a training medium. Provides examples of major companies using this medium for training and discusses their experiences. Defines technical terms and briefly mentions production cost factors. (CH)

Instructional materials are mediocre and inflexible because (1) education agencies leave important decisions to materials producers; (2) students, parents, and teachers lack influence; and (3) schools depend excessively on such materials. Cites research supporting this view, and suggests broad criteria and actions to improve textbooks. (MCG)

The first of two articles designed to provide guidelines for the instructional development phase of instructional systems development focuses on general instructional methods supporting all instructional tasks. Teaching methods that support selective attention, processing in working memory, and connecting in long-term memory are described and…

This annotated bibliography lists 25 educational software programs that were recently judged winners by "Learning" magazine. Offered to provide guidance to practitioners in program selection, the listing includes programs in reading/language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, problem solving, and creative arts. (DG)

Ten teacher guidelines for selecting computer software programs for learning disabled students are outlined. (JW)

Describes a community college's process of choosing good educational software. Elements include the college's own software catalog, statewide vocational curriculum laboratory, catalogs from established publishers, and the state software clearinghouse. The author then discusses software reviews and the questions that are asked concerning preview…