The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of on-screen video instructor gender and expressivity upon the competency based performance of adults in the learning of basic computer skills from a series of locally produced instructional videotapes. These tapes were typical of the type of instructional videos used by corporations, government, and schools to train adults. A 2 x 3 factorial design was used to analyze the variables effects on learning. The independent variables were instructor gender and instructor expressivity. Mediating variables were student gender, ethnicity (as measured by first language), reading level, and attitude towards computers. The dependent variable was student learning as measured by a 20 question multiple choice exam. The subjects (n=120) used in the study were under employed or unemployed adults. Sixty-nine percent were considered to be limited speakers of English. Six videotapes were produced. These tapes were identical in every way except that in three tapes a male actor taught in respectively low, average, and high expressive manners. In each of the other three tapes a female acted in a low, average and high expressive manners. Each subject viewed one of the tapes, in groups of eight to ten students, and was immediately tested on the material presented in their tape. Students were also asked to rate the instructor they saw on a five item scale of expressivity. The findings showed no significant main effects for either on-screen instructor gender or expressivity. A significant interaction was found between on-screen instructor gender and expressivity, as measured by the students. Students viewing the low expressive male and the high expressive female scored higher on the exam than students viewing either the high expressive male or the low expressive female. Performance on the test was correlated with student reading level, computer experience, the time it took to take the exam, and student ethnicity (as measured by first language spoken). Additionally, a significant interaction was found between student gender and instructor gender. Students viewing instructors of the opposite gender scored higher than those viewing instructors of the same gender. The implications of this study suggest that subject matter and student population be considered in both the design of instructional television programs and in the casting and the directing of talent for these programs. / Ed. D.