Traces the changes in the visuals used in U.S. history textbooks since the 1900s, concentrating on contemporary texts. Provides questions educators can use in assessing the educational value of textbook visuals. Critiques current textbook visuals, and suggests ways that they enhance understanding of educational information. (RW)

Discusses procedures for storyboard development and provides guidelines for designing interactive multimedia courseware, including interactivity, learner control, feedback, visual elements, motion video, graphics/animation, text, audio, and programming. A topical bibliography that lists 98 items is included. (LRW)

In response to the need for a system of control over the academic quality of distance education texts, this article proposes a methodological model based on criteria that evaluate written materials based on their instructional quality, design, and production. A discussion and figures evaluate educational aspects of content, communication,…

Experiences are reported of two U.S. professors teaching a course in Berlin on the history and economic consequences of German unification. The importance of addressing cross-cultural issues surrounding foreignness is emphasized and the use of student video projects is described. (20 references) (LB)

Reviews studies delineating positive effects of visually engaging, authentic classroom materials on language learning and cultural attitude formation. Cross-disciplinary approaches combining language, literature, history, and art emerge as effective methods of creatively using class time to achieve linguistic and cultural proficiency. (30…

Presents a poster for classroom use backed by a teacher's guide to be used in conjunction with the Public Broadcasting Service's six-part series "Space Age." Lists major concepts explored in each program. Includes questions for classroom discussion. Suggests classroom activities to accompany the lessons from the television programs. (DK)

Asserts that high school student research assignments in history and social studies often yield disappointing results with limited summaries of facts and a loose array of opinions. Argues that graphic organizers can help students with historical inquiry and result in improved thinking skills, more sophisticated conclusions, and better decision…

A study evaluated the use of computer-based video anchors to increase photograph recognition by two students with severe intellectual disabilities. A substantial increase was made in the number of photographs correctly selected with the computer program with results generalizing to selection of photographs on each participant's augmentative…

Examines key management issues involved in delivering geographic information services on the World Wide Web, using the Geographic Information Center (GIC) program at the University of Virginia Library as a reference. Highlights include integrating the Web into services; building collections for Web delivery; and evaluating spatial information…

Identifies a function generator as an instrument that produces time-varying electrical signals of frequency, wavelength, and amplitude. Sending these signals to a speaker or a light-emitting diode can demonstrate how specific characteristics of auditory or visual stimuli relate to perceptual experiences. Provides specific instructions for using…

Investigates the impact created by the use of videoconferencing technology in a large MIS class where, traditionally, lecture had been used. Even though 85% of the students who participated in the classes were non-MIS majors, students in the videoconferencing section perceived it to be more useful, challenging, attractive, and clear compared to…

Describes an active learning approach used in an introductory biology class and evaluates the project with student surveys. Presents students' answers to survey questions. (Contains 16 references.) (YDS)

This study divided 119 undergraduates into low and high prior knowledge groups and assigned them to three instructional treatments (control, instructor-provided imagery, learner-generated imagery) of the human cardiovascular system. Determined that there was no interaction between student prior knowledge and imaging strategy and that all imagery…

Instructional designers and researchers are attempting to identify the factors that determine which type of graphic visuals to employ in a specific situation as well as how best to utilize available resources. The use of three-dimensional graphics in a variety of media formats is addressed, including a discussion of specific instructional…

Study (35 international students) of the effects of graphics within a computer-assisted instructional program about the rules of American football. Subjects receiving lessons with supplemental graphics received higher post-test scores, completed the test in less time, and reported higher motivation with computer-assisted instruction than those…