One in a continuing series on visual aids, this article presents rules for the use of visuals in information presentations and orientations. Topics discussed include ambiguity and unanswered questions; the need for a cost/benefits analysis; appropriate visual styles; media selection; and the effects of visualizations on performance. (LRW)

Discussion of the role of a visual designer in media programing highlights the relationship between content, design, and technical aspects. Collaborative effort between the content expert, the instructional developer, and the technical staff is described, the role of style is discussed, and the function of communication is emphasized. (LRW)

Argues that graphic images and technologies can be of substantial help to social work practitioners for assessment and intervention with children and families. Suggests a range of graphic tools and techniques, including profiles, ecomaps, sequential ecomaps, contingency diagrams, concurrent graphing, and computerized Visual EcoScan. (DR)

Presents a study designed to determine whether levels of water literacy differed between (n=83) college freshman nonscience majors having one versus two years of high school science coursework, visual imagery exercises could improve understanding of the water cycle, and patterns exist in the concept of the water cycle. (Contains 23 references.)…

Notes that content area teachers recognize that visual organizers such as time lines, Venn diagrams, inductive towers, concept maps, causal chains, force fields, and flow charts help students recognize and take control of the intellectual processes which bring meaning to the study of academic content. (RS)

Offers a strategy for providing an opportunity for students to develop the ability to think critically. Uses character charts to encourage fourth and fifth graders to make critical judgments as they listen to stories read aloud by the teacher. (PRA)

A brief discussion of learning styles, language classroom environmental factors, and teacher methods leads up to explanation of a simple diagrammatic model for use in teaching tenses in the English-as-a-foreign-language class. (five references) (CNP)

Describes a study of undergraduates that investigated the tendency of television news viewers to use visual information to interpret ambiguous verbal passages. The use of simulated television news stories is explained, free recall and cued recall responses are discussed, and sentence recognition data is studied. (26 references) (LRW)

This discussion treats cultural stereotypes as a significant issue in second-language instruction, and examines the role of video documents from the mass media in helping students perceive and understand such stereotypes. (MSE)

Describes the formative use of poster presentations in a nursing-education program. Discusses the use of poster presentation as a successful assessment strategy and a motivating experience for students and teachers. (Author/WRM)

A study examined the effects of Venn diagram strategy on the literal, inferential, and relational reading comprehension of 26 high school students with mild disabilities who exhibited poor reading comprehension. Students who were taught the Venn diagram strategy demonstrated gains in both literal and relational comprehension measures. (Contains…

Presents a study undertaken to determine what types of visuals are being used for presentations in different business organizations. Discusses findings in terms of: description of respondents; creating and using visual aids for presentations; presentation software used; using special software features; and presenting the visual aids. Includes…

Briefly discusses Web mining and image retrieval techniques, and then presents a summary of articles in this special issue. Articles focus on Web content mining, artificial neural networks as tools for image retrieval, content-based image retrieval systems, and personalizing the Web browsing experience using media agents. (AEF)

Presents information on the different types of data projectors, to help librarians make a smart selection for their library. Describes multimedia projectors; document cameras; large-screen televisions, monitors, and flat panels; electronic whiteboards, and identifies uses, manufacturers, and prices. Notes three important ways that data projectors…

A study of 132 university students in four treatment groups using instructional modules on the human heart found little interaction between prior knowledge and instructional treatment. The visuals-only group produced higher scores than others on each dependent measure. Concludes prior knowledge affects achievement but how it interacts with…