New techniques being developed by college and university public information specialists to get their institution's news and features in the mass media are discussed, including personal contacts, op-ed pieces, media guides, tip sheets, and query letters. (JMF)

A report on the International Council for Educational Media (ICEM) Conference held in Copenhagen, September 25-26, 1976. (BD)

Selection of and search for appropriate instructional materials should begin while writing instructional objectives during the curriculum planning process. A five-phase system to help the teacher make selection decisions, in consultation with the school media specialist, is presented. (MF)

A rationale is presented for using humor as a French language teaching tool, and several class activities designed for different language skill levels and using humor as a central element are described. Some suggestions are offered for selecting appropriate instructional materials. (MSE)

Education and entertainment both seek to create memorable events. This article explores memory enhancement techniques in each field, the potential role of multimedia in these techniques, determining appropriate and inappropriate merging of education with the emotionalism of entertainment, and assessing one's options for edutainment purchases.…

Teenage detective novels sustain reading interest because of their unique components: peer-level sleuths, suspense, intrigue, fast action, and opposing forces of tension. A Spanish teenage adventure series by Pedro Casals illustrates the merits of classroom use of this genre. (15 references) (Author/MSE)

Describes the results of a research project that tested computer assisted language teaching/learning programs in everyday classroom situations. The evaluative principles and the selection of the programs evaluated are discussed, and the applied techniques borrowed from cognitive psychology in the evaluation of text manipulation programs of the…

A study using a computerized educational adventure game with children with severe learning disabilities validated the use of such materials within the developmental curriculum. It is suggested that use of mainstream software may help children with disabilities by replacing teacher expectations with expectations associated with normalcy. (MSE)

Discusses interactive multimedia journal (IMMJ) articles; examines limitations and problems of the format; provides recommendations for how to use IMMJ most effectively; and recommends ways of developing initial tests of its impact on audiences. (AEF)

Lists suggestions for selecting easy reading books for adult new readers, ways to make reading easier, reading aloud and active reading, and follow-up activities after a book is finished. (SK)

This article argues that obstacles to cross-cultural awareness are rooted in Americans' reductionist understanding of culture and structural obstacles within the university. It describes materials and methods used in a cross-cultural teaching approach that highlights the limitations of this view of culture and generates self-reflection by…

Describes a dedicated method for the design of multimedia courseware, called PROFIL, which integrates instructional design with software engineering techniques and incorporates media selection in the design methodology. The phases of development are outlined: preliminary investigation, definition, script, technical realization, implementation, and…

A survey of second- and third-year students at two optometry schools investigated how many students bought required textbooks, utility of the book, prices students were willing to pay, feelings about book price in relation to tuition, and reasons for not buying the text. Class size was also considered. (MSE)

Eschewing Little Mermaid and Ninja Turtle costumes, students at a Washington Montessori school celebrate Halloween dressed as John Adams, Clara Barton, and other historical figures. U.S. Department of Education recently recognized eight schools for using interdisciplinary approaches, devoting adequate instructional time to history, and addressing…

This article reviews current knowledge in three areas: (1) characteristics of mild/moderate hearing loss; (2) the information-bearing aspects of speech; and (3) the relationship between the electroacoustic characteristics of hearing aids and the speech signal. Implications for selecting hearing aids are drawn. (Author/DB)