As a member of the Frankfurt School of critical theory, Herbert Marcuse believed that industrial capitalism and the bureaucratization of society stripped humans of any claims to autonomy and undermined their critical expression with a functional language. However, Marcuse did no more than point an inchoate ideological finger at the production side…

Using the book "Mindstorms--Children, Computers and Powerful Ideas" as a reference point, this paper deals with the sociological challenges raised by Seymour Papert and explores such issues as the role of computers as carriers of powerful ideas and the seeds of cultural change. Recent studies are cited indicating that although the…

This study assesses problems and possibilities associated with production and use of radio, television, computers, and various other technological delivery systems for instruction, and evaluates those already in place. Sources for data included commissioned papers; structured interviews with users, producers, and shapers of instructional…

Technological advancements in television images have resulted in an increase of media imagery. One cause of people's fascination with the new media technology is the constant utilization of depth axis staging. The visual elements that make up the image are often placed within the Z-axis, moving rapidly toward or away from the viewer, often…

This paper deals with Latino audiences in the United States and explores how socially beneficial research agenda can deal with their communication needs and result in better and more programming on public broadcasting services. Latino audiences are defined as persons of Spanish language heritage, regardless of surname or country origin. A…

Current research on applications of computer conferencing in six institutions identifies a number of common problems related to communications and conferencing software and hardware and user attitudes about the medium. Despite these difficulties, there have been indications of a growth in the incorporation of computer conferencing in distance…

This paper outlines the predominant aesthetics of American public television's contributors and viewers. These aesthetic perspectives are elaborated in relation to specific historic, institutional, and political trends in American society. The paper traces public television usage and support as the product of confusing and sometimes contradictory…

This exploratory study of children's use of electronic text systems drew upon site visits, interviews, and data compilations for an overview and synthesis of issues. Systems studied included Green Thumb (videotext, Kentucky); Channel 2000 (videotext, Ohio); KCET (teletext, California); WETA (teletext, Washington, D.C.); QUBE (interactive cable,…

A meta-analysis procedure was used to review research on pictorial effectiveness which focused on the use of static iconic visuals in instructional materials. The purpose of this exploratory study was to provide a means for forming future hypotheses based upon a quantitative aggregation of past research. The study was concerned with differential…

The kinds of questions asked about the incorporation of computers into the classroom's social environment will largely dictate the methods of answering them. Asking about the effects of technology and the social life of classrooms is problematic, however. For example, traditional two-group, experimental studies are flawed because computers per se…

Biometric communication research is defined as research dealing with the information impact of a film or television show, photographic picture, painting, exhibition, display, or any literary or functional texts or verbal stimuli on human beings, both as individuals and in groups (mass audiences). Biometric communication research consists of a…

A review of 67 studies examined minorities' media selection/usage, the psychological variables that account for minority exposure to the media, minorities' information sources, and the effects media have on minority audiences. Among the major conclusions are the following: blacks spend less time reading newspapers but more time viewing television…

This paper discusses the intercultural communication body of knowledge and focuses on the ethnicity and mass communication. The orientation and tradition of communication research in the United States is discussed; the findings of some mass communication studies that have subject matter or variables related to mass ethnicity are summarized; the…

The problem of pacing distance learning students is discussed together with suggested pacing methods: insertion of questions in text of study guides; short-term, regular assignments; tutorial letters; audiocassette and videotape usage; and computer assisted instruction. (MBR)

Explores the role of memory in mediating mass communication effects. Examines (1) the nature of memory, (2) issues in retention and recall of media messages, (3) methods of promoting retention and recall of media messages, and (4) implications of memory processes for mass media effects. (PD)