Presents a theoretical perspective on the impact of society on new technologies, and gives examples of the impact of cultural factors on the development of computer/video-mediated educational technology in the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Highlights include the use of television, computer languages, and videotex. (14 references)…

Looks at developments in television production research as reflected in a current series of conferences. Nineteen references are listed. (LLS)

Reviews research related to humor, especially the role humor can play in the instructional process. Highlights include theories of humor; variables associated with humor; health benefits derived from humor; developmental stages and humor; effects of humor in children's educational television; and humor in the college environment. (25 references)…

Addresses the nonuse and misuse of sound when designing instruction using educational technology and presents the Structured Sound Functions (SSF) Model to improve sound attribute research and scriptwriting guidelines. The preference for visual interfaces is discussed, including educational television (ETV), and the creation of sound-image…

Discusses factors that influence learners' preconceptions of television, the mental effort they invest in processing a video-based lesson, and their achievement. The effects on mental effort and achievement of characteristics of media, the task, and the learners are addressed; and recommendations for future research are offered. (Contains 42…

Discussion of developments in British television broadcasting that affect educational television focuses on Open University television productions. Topics discussed include advantages of broadcasting for distance education; growth in the use of video cassettes; current access to video equipment; and possible future developments for the 1990s.…

Television is widely used in Ontario (Canada) public schools and is appreciated for making teaching more effective. Yet studies on the effectiveness of television as a learning tool outside of the classroom are ambivalent: many have claimed television to have a negative effect on learning, while others show neutral or moderately positive effects.…

This paper argues that a completed study pertaining to the various factors involved in the proper recognition and aesthetic application of moving images (primarily television pictures) should consider: (1) the individual viewer's general self-awareness, knowledge, expertise, confidence, values, beliefs, and motivation; (2) the viewer's…

Major collections of research contributions on the fundamental nature of children's television viewing have been compiled in this book. Each chapter presents the assumptions, methodologies, theories, and major research findings of a particular research program or tradition. Chapters 1 through 4 are directed toward the examination of children's…

This study examined whether the sources of information children use to substantiate story-based inferences are influenced by the medium of delivery. The 48 third grade students who acted as subjects were stratified by sex and randomly assigned to one of two media conditions; i.e., each child was presented an African folktale either (1) as a…

This keynote speech discusses the rise of telecommunicated distance education in the United States. Interactive satellite broadcasts for K-12 instruction are now received by more than 1,000 schools in more than 40 states. Similarly, many states are working with two-way interactive television projects, slow-scan television systems, and…

The 11 papers in this collection focus on research in instructional television, the theme of a conference attended by media producers, researchers, and policy makers from Australia, Britain, Canada, France, West Germany, the Netherlands, South Africa, and the United States. The opening paper by Deane Hutton discusses two parallel but contrasting…

Three types of homework assignments are commmon in schools in the United States: practice, preparation, and extension. To be effective, practice exercises must be highly individualized and based on the progress of each student. Preparation normally refers to reading assignments given prior to class meetings. Homework of this sort should be…

Reviews some instructional media research that has been done in developing countries and makes recommendations for its improvement. Twenty-two references are listed. (Author/LLS)

Examines barriers to the adoption of instructional television in higher education, for both the classroom and distance education. Characteristics that affect the adoption of innovations are described, the role and attitudes of faculty and administrators are discussed, and ways to make instructional television more effective are suggested. (12…