Discusses the relationship of fidelity and learning in computer simulation. Highlights include a review of previous research; a discussion of transfer of learning; a taxonomy for fidelity analysis with four different types of computer-based instructional simulations; and implications for instructional design and research. (41 references)…

Examination of how far research work on the design of printed text can inform research on the design of electronic text centers on three areas: the layout of instructional text, the role of typographic cueing, and the presentation of graphic materials. Future research needs are discussed, and 101 references are provided. (LRW)

Examines the problems encountered in engaging teachers in the specification and selection of media options in the instructional design process. Present inadequacy is traced to: (1) specific theoretical deficiencies in available models, (2) the evolutionary state of research, and (3) the reluctance of teachers to commit themselves in this area.…

Describes a study of high school students that investigated the use of MediaText, multimedia composition software, for student-developed multimedia documents. Research and theory of multimedia in education is reviewed, including student composition; a constructionist model is considered; and assignments in several curriculum areas are examined.…

Discusses why communications studies are not well poised to deal with some of the issues of the new information order that is emerging or to have an impact on it. Identifies some issues and trends for the future. (SR)

Although Chinese-speaking men and women constitute the largest group of international graduate students in the United States, contrary to expectations, some China-born communication scholars have had difficulties publishing their China studies in the United States. If a China-born scholar conducts two studies, one based on data from China and one…

Noting that the theory of international development is a paradigm, a model by which researchers guide their studies, this paper reviews various concepts of international development theory and proposes a research study that would examine mass media use in Georgia, one of the new republics born out of the death of the Soviet Union. The paper begins…

Through an analysis of the products of the radical press, this paper presents the rhetorical outlines of a cultural history of the 1930s. Following an overview of the "reportage" of the radical press, the paper focuses on that medium's rhetoric, specifically its conscious and unconscious use of religious symbolism. Among the publications…

The uses and gratifications paradigm, like the initial conceptions of media effects, can be viewed as a compatible elaboration of contemporary social and political theory. The fundamental assumptions of the uses and gratifications approach, particularly the assumptions regarding the nature and extent of audience activity and the ability of the…

Centrally concerned with design, educational technology involves making the best possible decisions for action given a particular set of circumstances, with a body of knowledge or instructional theory for guidance. More work is needed to aid educational technologists in the three tasks of building instructional theory, developing techniques for…

Based on a definition of public relations that recognizes the field as a purposeful management function, this paper provides a perspective on public relations to help practitioners develop strategies for the use of new media forms in public relations programs. The paper begins with a historical review of mass media effects research and proceeds…

A revision of the Westley-MacLean model of 1957 for communication research accommodates an incorporation of some of the research areas that have blossomed during the last three decades. The revision concentrates on two aspects of the original: (1) organizational features within the advocate, communicator and audience roles; and (2) environmental…

A review of the literature reveals that a complete model, within a political framework, for what takes place when special interest groups and mass media interact does not exist. Since media access is more successful for groups with specific goals and resources, a model for the interaction of special interest groups and the mass media focuses on…

Pointing out the difficulties in passing from the industrial age to the information age, this paper discusses the advent of new technologies and worldwide recognition of the significant influence technology will have for education. Conferences resulting in development actions aimed at introducing new information technologies into education and…

Third in a series on teaching methods in higher education, this updated volume reviews and evaluates research on audiovisual aids and related instructional hardware. While the emphasis is on the effectiveness of technical aids in higher education as instructional tools, some information on technical and administrative problems is also provided.…