This investigation of the use of white space in print-based, computer-generated text focused on the point at which the white space interferes with reading speed and comprehension. It was hypothesized that reading speed and comprehension would be significantly greater when text was wrapped tightly around the graphic than when it had one-half inch…

Developed for the Duval County Public Schools (Jacksonville, Florida), this manual gives elementary school teachers information on instructional program procedures. Section one is about the reading program and deals with placement procedures and criteria for kindergarten and first grade students, initial placement procedures for grades two-six,…

At the University of Florida, in Spring 2003, more than 32,000 individuals enrolled in courses using the centrally-supported Course Management System (CMS). Because less than 1 full time equivalent (FTE) was allocated to support the CMS, this created problems for both users and support providers. In the face of rapid growth, support resources for…

The third of four symposium papers argues that, if instructional methods are to improve learning, they must have two aspects: a direct trace to a specific learning process, and empirical support that demonstrates their significance. Focusing on the tracing process, the paper presents an information processing model of learning that can be used by…

The East Tennessee State University College of Education has begun removing objective testing from regularly scheduled class time and has begun using Macintosh computers for content tutoring and the evaluation of students at their convenience. The new testing program requires students to meet criteria for the number of correct responses within…

The current state of computer assisted instruction (CAI) in kindergarten through grade 12 is discussed. Four formats for CAI--drill, practice, tutorial, and simulation--are defined, and a set of criteria for distinguishing between effective and ineffective CAI are described. Comparisons are made between human and computer tutors. In response to…

Several research and design issues to be considered when creating educational software were identified by a field test evaluation of three types of innovative software created at Bank Street College: (1) Probe, software for measuring and graphing temperature data; (2) Rescue Mission, a navigation game that illustrates the computer's use for…

This paper describes the development and current state of videodisk technology in Canada. The first section focuses on the technology itself, i.e., the disks, disk players, and the possibilities they offer for interaction between learner and machine. The current costs of the technology and the probable effect of these costs on the market are also…

This examination of the use of teleconferencing as an educational tool in Canada begins by clarifying educational teleconferencing terminology and describing teleconferencing systems and equipment. Focusing on the uses of teleconferencing in Canadian universities, the second section describes extensive or innovative uses of the technology at…

The declining emphasis on science, mathematics, and engineering education in the United States together with the necessity of the nation to ensure a continuous supply of trained practitioners in those fields was the consideration that prompted the conference reported in this document. The conference participants--who were representatives of the…

This guide is designed to provide a basis for the effective design of instructional materials for distance education. Organized around a model of instructional development which encompasses both external structural factors (factors that are largely outside the direct control of the individual instructor but which must be investigated) and internal…

This book on competency-based instruction (CBI) is organized around three topics: (1) teachers deciding what their students should learn; (2) teachers teaching it well; and (3) teachers checking to see if students have learned it. Chapter 1, "A Matter of Accomplishment," gives an overview of competency-based instruction. Chapter 2, "Worthwhile…

A series of videodisc-based mathematics products have been developed by the cooperative effort of the University of Oregon, Utah State University, and various school districts. The products were designed to: (1) achieve educationally significant changes in student achievement and attitudes; (2) be consistent with group and individual classroom…

This study aimed at finding the optimal condition of written instruction and online practice for learning a new computer application. Subjects were 44 undergraduate and graduate students and university staff members. Those in the experimental group learned commands for an electronic spreadsheet by reading user-manual descriptions and working…

Both the broad field of educational technology and research activities in the more limited area of instructional technology in Latin America are examined. Research studies, the current situation, and/or research needs are reviewed briefly for each of the following areas: distance education; microcomputers; educational radio; learning strategies…