Argues that the rhetoric of text design is shaped by contextual variables, such as the purpose of the communication, the proximity of visual cues within the document, and the reader's familiarity with visual conventions. Concludes that technical communicators need to consider these factors as they begin using the wide range of visual elements…

Discusses issues surrounding whether classes in newspaper design should include computer instruction. Describes a graduate course in journalism which incorporates computer training. Discusses course structure, the knowledge applied, learning through practice, and grading. (SR)

Describes an advanced desktop publishing course that combines instruction in a few advanced techniques for using software with extensive discussion of such design principles as consistency, proportion, asymmetry, appropriateness, contrast, and color. Describes computer hardware and software, class assignments, problems, and the rationale for such…

Reports students' perceptions of learning desktop publishing (DTP) systems. Finds that (1) students learned the foundations of DTP in under 60 hours of hands-on experience; (2) the incremental introduction of DTP functions and practice sessions before assignments were the most effective teaching strategy; and (3) use of DTP encouraged nonartistic…

Describes how a changeover to desktop publishing, working in teams, expansion of the journalism room, and the concept of packaging combined to dramatically change a high school newspaper's approach and product. Argues for a debate on evaluation services. (SR)

Written for those who are new to design and page layout, this book focuses on providing novice desktop publishers with an understanding of communication, graphic design, typography, page layout, and page layout techniques. The book also discusses how people read, design as a consequence of understanding, and the principles of page layout. Chapters…

Discusses the electronic publishing system called Many Using and Creating Hypermedia (MUCH). The MUCH system supports collaborative authoring; reuse; formatting and printing; management; hypermedia publishing and delivery; and interchange. This article examines electronic publishing environments; the MUCH environment; publishing activities; and…

Argues that journalism students will have to be computer literate to succeed in the future. Discusses software and keeping up with technological developments. Gives tips for student input and for high productivity. (SR)

Explains that structured authoring systems designed for the creation of generically encoded reusable information have context-sensitive application of markup, markup suppression, queing and automated formatting, structural navigation, and self-validation features. Maintains that they are a real alternative to conventional publishing systems. (SR)

Explores reasons for newspaper staff to write their own computer manual and provides 13 step-by-step instructions for getting started. (MG)

Examines the underlying assumptions of the rhetoric of desktop publishing promoters. Suggests four criteria to help educators provide insights into issues and challenges concerning desktop publishing technology that design students will face on the job. (MG)

Questions whether communication departments should attempt to author their own textbooks for local introductory communication courses. Presents the pros and cons of departments undertaking such an activity. ( HB)

Affirms that taking time to learn type classification, terminology, and use will be a major step in producing more effective high school newspapers. Considers that desktop publishing is both a blessing and a curse when it comes to type use. Provides type use definitions. (PA)

Reports that although a rhetoric of visible text based on page layout and various design features has been defined, what a writer should know about design is rarely covered. Describes and demonstrates a scope and sequence of learning that encourages writers to develop skills as text designers. Introduces helpful literature that displays visually…

This article, written in response to an invitation from "CLE," describes the origins and controversial content of "dunno," a first novel, self-published by Peter Inson, a former teacher and headmaster. Inson considers influences upon his writing, the thinking which led him towards self-publication and the process of personally launching and…