Examines the verbal and visual content of two widely used United States history textbooks from the 1950s and the 1980s. Finds that the 1980s textbooks do not contain significantly more visuals nor any less narrative and expository content than did those of the 1950s. (RS)

Describes a number line created by fourth-grade students containing paper rectangles to represent the basic multiplication facts. The use of this number line can help students to understand factoring, prime and composite numbers, and beginning fraction concepts. (MKR)

Presents an activity centering on Baravelle spirals in regular polygons to review and connect a number of algebraic and geometric topics, as well as to involve students in formal calculations, visualization, pattern discovery, series, estimation, and recursion. (MKR)

Describes one class' experience with Tele-class, where university students used a telephone-like device that showed a still picture of the speaker to talk with students in Spain, pointing out linguistic and cultural gains as well as limitations in enhancing motivation, language awareness, and cultural awareness. (13 references) (Author/CB)

An experiment involving 92 college students was conducted to assess the relative effectiveness of multiple-relationship knowledge maps and traditional text for presentation of related information domains and to investigate comparative versus sequential presentations. Conditions under which knowledge maps were superior are discussed, and…

Illustrates improving map study by relating an unfamiliar location to the geographical area where the student lives. Explains the circles map and the transparency map comparison methods. Discovers that the two methods of using maps are effective when teaching about past events in distant places. (NL)

Describes a school library media project for teaching poetry in which fifth-grade students write and illustrate a poem and produce a poster using the PosterPrinter machine. Suggestions for additional activities are included. (EAM)

Describes a study that investigated the effects of visual control (self-controlled versus system-controlled) and gender difference on learning with scientific multimedia instruction, observed how boys and girls differed in navigating and processing visual information in a hypermedia environment, and examined how visual control influenced learning.…

Describes "Glass-box Interpreter" a low-level program visualization tool called Bradman designed to provide a conceptual model of C program execution for novice programmers and makes visible aspects of the programming process normally hidden from the user. Presents an experiment that tests the efficacy of Bradman, and provides…

To examine how four methods of symbolizing data affect learning from thematic maps of familiar regions, two experiments were conducted with college students. In both experiments, map-related text information was recalled more than map-unrelated text information. Choropleth maps and proportional symbol maps were associated with higher reported use…

Even though affordable technology makes it possible for teachers to make professional looking computer presentations, overheads, and handouts, they need to understand basic design principles to create effective visuals. This article discusses when visuals should be used and principles of design: layout; organization; and use of space, color, and…

Describes three-dimensional computer aided design (CAD) models for every component in a representative mechanical system; the CAD models made it easy to generate 3-D animations that are ideal for teaching perceptual skills in multimedia computer-based technical training. Fifteen illustrations are provided. (AEF)

A study examined the use of cognitive mapping for tracking the progress of 25 students seeking a graduate degree with a concentration in gifted education. Results indicated the maps could successfully be used to talk with students about their individual progress in graduate school regarding knowledge, skills, and experience. (Contains references.)…

Proposes the use of a genogram in counseling to provide a visual tool that stimulates insight and awareness in clients. Discusses how college counseling clients struggle with many developmental, relationship, and systemic issues. Suggests that genograms, which have been proven beneficial in other settings, may also facilitate college counseling.…

Describes an art lesson in which first grade students learned to reproduce the three-dimensional world on two-dimensional paper, creating a landscape through a telescopic perspective. Explains that students first learn about landscapes. Discusses the process of making telescopic drawings. (CMK)