Described are how pictures can combine aspects of naturalistic representation with more formal shapes to enhance cognitive understanding. These "diagrammatic" shapes derive from geometrical elementary and thereby bestow visual concreteness to concepts conveyed by the pictures. Leonardo da Vinci's anatomical drawings are used as examples…

Discusses methods of browsing in online public access catalogs (OPACs) and describes one method that uses information pertaining to the physical description of books from MARC records to simulate images of books on a library shelf. Electronic browsing through MARC is discussed, and methods of enhancing OPACs are reviewed. (51 references) (LRW)

Argues that the aggregate good is a powerful pedagogical device in economics. Uses a simple graphical analysis that demonstrates to the student the concept of an aggregate good, that preferences can indeed be collapsed from many goods to two. (DB)

Asserts that technical writing students can have creative fun in following a successful teaching strategy using Tinker Toys. (PRA)

Discusses the problem of using graphics in international documents, since graphics are not universal unless expressly designed as such. Discusses how to plan international graphics, pitfalls to avoid, wordless instructions, and text. Offers a checklist for cultural and national differences. (SR)

Twenty-two readers (ages 10 to 35) with scotopic sensitivity parsed sentences under scotopic correction (using colored transparent overlays) and control conditions. Although eye movements suggested enhanced parsing, comprehension scores were not significantly improved with correction. (DB)

Describes how data displays can be classified into four types: conventional, perceptual, informational, and aesthetic. Argues that conflicts among the standards can be resolved by allowing the rhetorical situation to guide the design process. Explores a case in information design to show how the rhetorical situation shapes data displays, telling…

Discusses the importance of harnessing children's natural tendency to make maps. Argues for a geographic curriculum based on building a relationship between the structure of the local landscape and the shape of children's lives. Lists mapping activities that can be used with various age groups. (CCM)

Tests the hypothesis that pictographs can improve recall of spoken medical instructions. Junior college subjects (N=21) listened to two lists of actions, one of which was accompanied by pictographs during both listening and recall while the other was not. Mean correct recall was 85% with pictographs and 14% without, indicating that pictographs can…

Argues that instructors can help to alleviate students' fears regarding different multimedia techniques by taking time to give some basic file explanations. Discusses a few of the most common multimedia file types in Windows (graphic, audio, and video), as well as compressed files. Uses slide show software as a base because of its widespread use…

Describes a visual tutoring system for programming distributive-memory multiprocessor networks. Highlights include difficulties of parallel programming, and three instructional modes in the system, including a hypertext-like lecture, a question-answer mode, and an expert aid mode. (Author/LRW)

Career counselors use occupations information to help clients make informed vocational decisions. A literature review of career information reveals a significant lack of study of the visual content of career information materials. By taking account of visual images in career information resources, counselors can help clients explore imagined…

Observation of two students from nondominant cultures demonstrated the role of social and visual learning in the classroom as children watched each other for direction. The need for appropriate visual cues and for structure was apparent. (SK)

Presents instructional tips for science instructors whose class includes deaf students from different educational backgrounds. Discusses visual enhancement, writing and reading, speaking and class participation, and laboratory interactions. (JRH)