Local news media coverage of events is often ignored as a resource for language instruction. Local coverage is as varied as the national press, and it greatly enlarges the scope of materials available for classroom use. (MSE)

Presents an interdisciplinary approach to teaching history at the elementary level. Suggests that a concept-based approach could expand the role of children's literature in the elementary classroom and bring history to the center of the curriculum. Lists five points to consider when selecting literature for a history unit. (KO)

A three-phase procedure for developing instructional units, which when used with professional development can enhance teachers' understanding and implementation of Canada's National Core French Study multidimensional curriculum, is described. The procedure includes reflection, production, and piloting phases. (Author/MSE)

Gives an idea of how to structure a common reading experience around a book on tape with accompanying response approaches for student engagement with and reaction to good common reading. Presents exercises and ideas that can be used in the classroom to supplement the audio books, including writing exercises and listening and responding exercises.…

Identifies conditions under which interactive instructional television (IITV) is an appropriate choice of technology for delivering instruction in the K-12 school environment. Findings indicate that IITV is chosen as an instructional technology primarily as a mechanism for ensuring that rural students receive the same educational opportunities as…

In today's growing technological age of educational software and interactive Internet teaching/learning websites, it is important to note that educators must take the time to see that the interactive electronic experiences their students are involved meet the appropriate standards, hence been evaluated. This article provides the readers with an…

This paper provides a rationale for the selection of illustrations and visual aids for the classroom. The theories that describe the processing of visuals are dual coding theory and cue summation theory. Concept attainment theory offers a basis for selecting which cues are relevant for any learning task which includes a component of identification…

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…

This paper presents two types of approaches to media selection--rational-choice approaches and social-influence approaches. It is argued that designers should combine the two types of approaches in a bottom-up/top-down media-selection process. As examples of the two types of approaches, two conceptual frameworks are described--task/media fit and…

To those who look to technology to enhance a person's quality of life and not merely to restore capability, it is more important and cost effective to consider environmental modifications and the functions of devices within a comprehensive context of varying situations (Milieu characteristics); user interests, needs, capabilities, expectations,…

This booklet provides advice on how schools can forge useful working relationships with the news media. Nineteen ground rules for working with print or broadcast media are outlined. The most important rule for all occasions is to make sure that your information is true. Strategies are described for using various tools of the trade, such as the…

The past 15 years have brought about the large-scale and effective introduction of open learning and distance teaching methods. During the same time period a rapid increase has occurred in the technologies available to educators and trainers. The increase in available technologies has led to the problem of choice. What media should be used for…

The paper addresses the need for evaluating instructional materials to be used with bilingual or limited English speaking exceptional children. The scarcity of materials geared for this population is noted, and the need for evaluating existing materials prior to adapting them is discussed. Five questions are posed, touching on correspondence with…

This guide lists 143 instructional television (ITV) series and 56 instructional radio series approved by the South Carolina State Board of Education as instructional resources. It is designed for use by South Carolina superintendents, district directors of instruction, curriculum writers, principals, and teachers in identifying ITV and radio…