Discusses issues involved with buying and using multimedia authoring programs. Six programs are compared: (1) MediaText, (2) HyperCard, (3) LinkWay Live!, (4) AmigaVision, (5) Director, and (6) Multimedia Desktop. Highlights include the use of multimedia in education, sequential versus hierarchical organization, price, system requirements, digital…

Describes two new multimedia products developed by IBM that are interdisciplinary, multicultural, and nongraded (i.e., suitable for elementary grades through college): (1) Columbus: Encounter, Discovery and Beyond; and (2) Illuminated Books and Manuscripts, which explores interrelationships between five literary works and other subject areas. The…

Describes the use of multimedia language labs for teaching foreign languages and English as a Second Language. Hardware is discussed, including videocassette recorders, camcorders, computers, CD-ROMs, and laser discs; software products are described; visual databases are explained; audiovisual components are examined; and sidebars list vendor…

Describes a new product by Discis Books which offers complete editions of classic and original children's books on CD-ROM including features such as reading aloud by a variety of voices, background music, sound effects, help with vocabulary, customized appearance of text, and availability of foreign translations. A library media activity for…

Computer assisted instruction programs for adult literacy are becoming more prevalent in learning centers, community organizations, and in schools across the country. Computers are also being used to curb illiteracy at the source, in elementary and secondary schools, in an effort to reduce dropout rates. Two IBM (International Business Machines)…

Reviews computer software programs that are useful for teaching history. Three categories are examined: reference libraries on CD-ROMs and videodisks; multimedia electronic textbooks; and single-event programs. A chart that indicates publisher, hardware requirements, price, grade level, program information, print capabilities, and special features…

Describes a hypermedia/compact disk program designed to provide beginning and advanced music listeners with a tool for learning about an opera, i.e., "The Magic Flute." Hardware and software requirements for accessing the multimedia program are described, and it is suggested that the program can be used to study the opera's music,…

This article, intended for school teachers and school librarians, provides detailed information on electronic products produced by the National Geographic Society (NGS) for grades 3-12 and for adults. Highlights include the NGS Kids network; CD-ROM; software; GTV, an interactive videodisc kit; and STV, interactive videodisc with HyperCard…

Applications are now available that allow teachers to create presentations and programs tailored to the exact needs of their students. This paper examines tools that may be used for presentations. Programming environments that may be used to develop computer aided instructional programs are also compared and contrasted. The availability of…

Discusses the role of school media specialists in teaching students to navigate information resources available through online systems. Highlights include database searching; use of the Internet; multimedia workstations; integrated learning systems; teaching library skills; authoring software; and teacher utilities. (two references) (LRW)