Authorware is Macromedia's powerful feature-rich tool for courseware development. Version 6.5, released in September 2002, introduces new features for usability, extensibility, and accessibility. New usability enhancements include improvements to script functions and liberal use of drag-and-drop operations. First-time users should beware that they…

Describes how to assemble a functional, cost-effective multimedia production workstation in the Microsoft Windows environment. Recommendations for the selection of various components of the workstation are given, including computer requirements, sound card, video capture card, and authoring system. (LRW)

Describes Photo CD Portfolio, an Eastman Kodak product that provides interactive multimedia CD-ROM production capability. The article focuses on the capabilities of the tool's simplest authoring system, Create It, which allows users to work with Photo CD, PICT, or TIFF images, add graphics, text and audio, and create menus with branching. (KRN)

Examines HotJava and Java, World Wide Web technology for use on the Internet. HotJava, an interactive, animated Web browser, based on the object-oriented Java programming language, is different from HTML-based browsers such as Netscape. Its client/server design does not understand Internet protocols but can dynamically find what it needs to know.…

"The Expert Mathematician" is a three-year program of software instruction with 196 lessons, each ranging from one to three class periods. It covers general mathematics, pre-algebra, and algebra I. It uses the "Logo" computer language to focus on writing, operating, and applying mathematical procedures to study concepts,…

This paper describes and evaluates the instructional uses of the Claris Works and Ultimedia Tools Series authoring programs and the following titled software programs: CNN Time Capsule: 100 Defining Moments of 1993; Windows Magazine: 1994; Ultimate Digital Studio; Data Trek Manager Series; and Cinemania '95. (AEF)

Describes Windows-based multimedia authoring programs that cost less than $1000. Discusses text support, interface variety, title creation, search and retrieval capabilities, special features, platform requirements and cost, design, royalty-free use, distribution and selling. (AEF)

Depending on the type of DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) the user wants to create (data, multimedia, PC video, or Hollywood movies) the specs and development tools are totally different. Reviews of DVD-Video and DVD-ROM authoring tools are provided. (AEF)

Presents the results of a survey of 18 vendors of PC- and Mac-based multifunction library systems that include either circulation or patron access catalogs. Highlights include software alone or turnkey systems, operating systems, programming language, sales, profitability, and support staff. (LRW)

Reviews traditional approaches to learning and education, and examines the use of cognitive apprenticeship as an improved approach. Explores and evaluates the application of cognitive apprenticeship to the teaching of the programming language Smalltalk in a multimedia-based interactive learning environment. Sample computer screens depicting…

Reviews study that tested the long-term influence of early childhood television viewing on adolescent achievement. Focuses on the demonstrated importance of content of television viewing as a predictor for adolescent outcomes, emphasizes the probable magnification of media effects, and suggests expanding well-crafted educational content to the…

Provides an overview of developments in authoring tools and describes ways to categorize products by platform, type of end-product, sophistication of end-product, and authoring metaphor. Discusses products from AimTech, Allegiant, Allen Communication, Asymetrix, Corel, Discovery Systems International, Enigma, Harrow Media, Horizons, Innovus,…

Evaluates and compares three text-capable Windows-based multimedia CD-ROM authoring tools used by the publishing industry. Reviews product lines, hardware requirements, customer costs, screen designs, product uses, and product advantages and disadvantages. Examples of computer screen designs are displayed throughout the article, and a sidebar…

Provides an overview of developments in computer-based training (CBT) authoring software and reviews the following products: Macromedia's Authorware, Aimtech's CBT Express, Iprax CourseWorks, Intersystem Concepts' Everest, Aimtech's IconAuthor, Innovus Multimedia, Allen Communication's QuestNet+, and Asymetrix's ToolBook II Instructor. A sidebar…

This document consists of one volume year (four quarterly issues) of the journal "HyperNexus," containing articles on hypermedia and multimedia use in education. Typical article topics are: language-learning software; teaching and learning HyperCard; hypermedia-based teacher education; the use of music in virtual reality; integrating…