Text has traditionally been the mode used to convey information in educational settings, including workplace training. Unfortunately, printed materials have little to offer persons with reading difficulties. Text may be made easier to understand by using predictable structure, shorter sentences, and less demanding vocabulary; however, such…

The role of textbook publishing in educational reform is examined in this paper. The study evaluated a 4-year project in which three schools in the Netherlands implemented an open learning program (OLP) and created their own publishing company. Following the introduction, the second part provides a description of the OLP. The third part explains…

A project surveyed the instructional materials development needs of the less commonly taught languages (LCTLs) language teaching community. The national survey in 1992 covered 82 languages and surveyed approximately 1,000 language course instructors and program directors at national resource centers and universities in the United States receiving…

In a previous report, the author critiqued the 1988 Silver Burdette & Ginn elementary social studies series (Silver Burdett & Ginn Social Studies), treating it as a representative example of what has been called the de facto national curriculum in elementary social studies. The present report begins with brief critiques of three other…

Student-generated materials are a means by which students may be brought into the role of active participant in their own second language learning processes. To create their own materials, students can engage in the following types of activities: (1) performance, or those in which the student prepares and delivers a message to the group (e.g.,…

Color monitors are in wide use in computer systems. Thus, it is important to understand how to apply color effectively in computer assisted instruction (CAI) and computer based training (CBT). Color can enhance learning, but it does not automatically do so. Indiscriminate application of color can mislead a student and thereby even interfere with…

This packet of materials contains the pieces needed to create brochures, flyers, and handouts to market the abilities of persons with disabilities to potential employers. A "how to" section includes a glossary, instructions for reproducing brochures, tips for working with the media, and ideas and suggestions for using the videocassette,…

A Chinese student of English is often faced with culturally based differences in denotation and connotation, idioms and proverbs, habits, and formulaic use of language. Since the native speaker of any language has built into his language repertoire his unique cultural assumptions and values, a culture-oriented curriculum in language teaching is…

Designed particularly for use in developing countries, this guide provides information to help teachers of librarianship and information science make their own simple and effective audiovisual (AV) materials. It is noted that all illustrations in the guide may be duplicated or adapted as desired. Sections cover: (1) the advantages of using AV…

Criticizes the lack of innovation and solid substance in most composition texts and freshman handbooks for college English. Also criticizes bidialectalism as an elitist concept. (RM)

The article describes and illustrates the procedure for developing a job operation sheet for use in agricultural mechanics instruction; the sheet serves as an outline for a student-oriented programed type of learning device, taking the learner through the processes of accomplishing the job in a logical and efficient manner. (Author/AJ)

Perhaps the most significant development in microcomputer technology over the last two years has been the development of desktop publishing techniques. This technology promises to offer some significant advantages to institutions developing instructional materials in less developed countries, particularly in terms of control, cost effectiveness,…

As a regional institution serving the needs of 11 different island nations of the South West Pacific, the University of the South Pacific (USP) is, along with its on-campus face-to-face teaching activity, deeply committed to and reliant on distance study methods. Both of these activities at the university are the principal responsibility of a…

In 1986, Columbia State Community College (CSCC) initiated the Center of Emphasis to develop interactive video and computer-assisted instruction programs for students. This charge included stimulating faculty interest in developing such programs and providing technical assistance in their production. Initially, center staff contacted faculty…