A classroom experiment involving 79 first-semester Spanish students measured the relationship between foreign language vocabulary visual aids, vocabulary achievement scores, and student modality strengths. Results suggest a need for further research for devising the best combination of visual aids, particularly for predominantly visual or auditory…

This study examined the use of footnotes and visuals in 8,634 research articles published in core journals in sociology, political science, and economics between 1886 and 1985. It was found that use of footnotes and visuals within a discipline vary over time and that agreement on presentational standards increases as the discipline matures. (61…

Described is a baton that consists of an unbreakable transparent tube with three inserted light-emitting diodes (LED) and terminal impact buffers that hold batteries and counterweights. The concepts of projectile motion and parabolic paths can be shown by analyzing the path of a thrown baton. (KR)

Two computer-generated star charts that can be used as overlay transparencies to show an expanding universe are presented. Directions on how to use the star charts to determine the Hubble constant and the age of the universe are provided. (KR)

This study of the effects of lenses of different colors on the visual abilities and comfort of 20 patients with retinal disease found that, in home trials, the critical issue was density more than color. Office tests of visual acuity and contrast sensitivity with colored lenses did not predict subjective benefit. (Author/JDD)

Discusses the use of quick-image activities in which the teacher flashes one particular image consisting of dots on the overhead projector screen for three seconds, hides it from view, then asks students to tell how many dots were shown and to describe what they saw. (ASK)

Provides information on computer software using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and visualization technologies and Visual Earth, a series of integrated classroom solutions for a variety of science topics. Describes some uses of GIS and Visual Earth in science classrooms. (ASK)

Examines what types of cues serve as the most effective recall prompts for Japanese college students studying English. Findings show that English cues, picture cues, and Romanji cues all produced better immediate and delayed recall than no cues at all. However, in delayed recall, Romanji cues worked significantly better to facilitate the recall of…

Discussion of the use of the Internet to deliver instruction and multimedia opportunities for Web-page design focuses on working memory and its implications for Web-based instruction. Topics include media overload; cognitive load theory; static visual displays; animations; audio; and research questions. (Author/LRW)

Reviews a major videoconferencing project concerning domestic violence as a practical means of: (1) examining the underlying assumptions used concerning project development and delivery; (2) sharing information on critical lessons learned; and (3) offering recommendations to future users who are planning to conduct similar distance learning…

Presents several examples (in the form of a fictional story) of various ways that graphic organizers can help students find a visual framework to analyze key informational relationships. Describes how graphic organizers helped facilitate interdisciplinary instruction, and helped students make connections and organize data in a new way. (SR)

Geographic information systems (GIS) are commonly misconceived as expensive and complicated map makers. Although GISs do create maps, they manipulate, organize, and display information, and aid in data documentation and accessibility. Managing GIS services involves not just hardware and software issues but managing digital data. (Author/AEF)

Proposes pedagogical solutions to problems beginning language learners have reading World Wide Web documents--reading an electronic format and deciphering the language used in Web pages. Proposed are a study of Uniform Resource Indicators (URLs) to enhance predictions, the analysis of visuals that support the meaning of the text, and the…

Introduces programs that assist blind students such as Tactile Access to Education for Visually Impaired Students (TAEVIS). Reports on two blind students who successfully completed physics courses and their learning strategies. Discusses the accessibility of visual aids. (YDS)

Examines the effect that learners' prior knowledge has on long-term retention of information. Study (200 undergraduates) found no differences in long-term retention when prior knowledge was controlled, no interaction between prior knowledge and advance organizer strategies, no increased long-term retention with advance organizers, and no increased…