Self-access centres (SACs) are playing an increasingly pivotal role in supporting the (self-) study of languages. Selecting suitable resources thus becomes more and more important. At the selection stage, identifying problems with available resources is not an easy task, and is made more difficult by a lack of published guidelines. Linked with…

New members in the field of instructional systems design and technology (ISD&T), including new students in this field, can find lists of publications and organizations available for them to read and to join. However, they may also wish to know which of these publications and organizations are recommended by established professionals. The field of…

The history of technology use in adult literacy programs was reviewed, and attitudes enhancing and limiting the use of technology were examined. Among the key findings of the analysis were the following: (1) the value of technology for literacy instruction is based on its provision of privacy, individual control, immediate feedback, and…

This book discusses issues to consider when purchasing an encyclopedia and provides reviews of eight print encyclopedias, six CD-ROM encyclopedias, and one online encyclopedia. Each review provides an address and discusses the history, scope and treatment, and quality and currency of the encyclopedia; for CD-ROM encyclopedias, the database…

This book is designed to offer an overall paradigm for designing instruction related to multimedia. Each chapter explores the paradigm through literature reviews, lists of pertinent questions, case studies, guidelines, and resource suggestions. The first two parts discuss defining an instructional problem and generating solutions via multimedia…

Designed for media specialists and educators, this issue includes five articles on innovative museum film programs. The first article describes a successful film program conducted at the Staten Island Children's Museum. The second article describes inventive children's programs at the Delaware Museum of Art. The programs use films and activities…

Designed for media specialists and educators, this issue reviews 19 short films produced between 1956 and 1978. Films range from 2 to 24 minutes in length and include both verbal and nonverbal live-action and animation films. Although most of the films are aimed at elementary-aged children, a few are also suitable for teenagers and adults. The…

Intended for upper elementary and secondary teachers in all subject areas, this guide provides practical advice on determining the appropriate application of computer technology and on the selection of specific, subject-related computer-based instruction units. Under the heading of hardware and software, topics discussed include communicating with…

Three papers address the use of videotape recordings for instruction in English as a Second Language. The first paper, by Cynthia Leaney, describes a program in which language learners produce a videotape through an integrated skills approach, offering practical advice and insight for teachers considering this type of activity. The paper presents…

The instructor's manual is part of a curriculum intended to help provide Arkansas persons with disabilities or their supporters with basic information on accessing and using assistive technology. The material is divided into three goal areas. The section on Goal 1, the development of technology advocacy concepts, covers basic definitions of…

Much discussion within media ethics has focused on the acceptability of surreptitious tape recording of news sources by media professionals. The most common legal and social arguments supporting secret taping assert that recorders "hear" and "remember" better, are expedient and practical, protect against libel suits, provide…

Fourth in a series of six monographs on the use of new technologies in the instruction of learning disabled (LD) students, this paper explores issues related to the evaluation and selection of instructional software for LD students. Topics discussed include the following: (1) criteria for instructionally useful software (e.g., flexibility and…

This paper offers pragmatic guidance for designing effective distance education courses, including the need for designers to be aware of their educational aims, and the selection of different media and methods for effective learning. Discussion of a brief taxonomy of types of learning--knowledge, skills, understanding, and attitudes--is followed…

This study was conducted to determine the effects of instruction on using a formal media selection procedure on the media selection choices made by novice instructional designers. Twenty-nine male and female graduate students enrolled in a media design course at Arizona State University participated in the study. Media design problems were used…

One way for foreign language teachers to evaluate computer software, or courseware, for computer-assisted instruction is to look at it from the point of view of the roles of the courseware author as production manager, curriculum developer, learning specialist, instructional designer, and evaluator. In assessing courseware, teachers should decide…