Discusses evaluation criteria for selecting authoring tools, including system complexity and language, cost, copy protection, ease of learning and use, graphics, sound, and peripheral interfacing capabilities, support documentation, overall performance, tutorials, instructional design and management features, and product support. A…

This article discusses using individualized multimedia activity schedules as a technology-based instruction for young children with autism. The schedules serve as cues that can help students prepare for transitioning to between school activities. The benefits of using Microsoft PowerPoint in the classroom are described, along with implementation…

Describes a method to produce 35mm color slides directly from the display screen of a computer terminal using techniques and equipment available to most teachers and researchers. Discusses the hardware and software needed, procedures, some of the problems encountered, and the potential uses of this method. (CW)

Suggests guidelines for creating World Wide Web sites that accommodate those using speech or braille aids. Hypertext Markup Language coding should provide (1) one-column format rather than side-by-side columns; (2) stand-alone hyperlinks; (3) "ALT=" attributes for image displays; (4) text alternatives to images or image maps as links or…

This paper describes the development of a software program which incorporates interactive graphics techniques into a teaching and research environment at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion, Israel, and the experience of transferring the software from mainframe to personal computer (PC) operating systems at the California Institute of…

Some capabilities and limitations of microcomputers for use by research administrators in pre-award activities and information processing are described, including word processing, electronic spreadsheets, database management, terminal emulation, and graphics presentations. Cost effectiveness is also considered. (MSE)

A guide to computer peripherals--additional hardware that can expand the educational uses of computers--is given. Tips are furnished on selection and possible use of computer printers; modulator/demodulators (modems); graphics tablets; plotters, speech synthesizers, and robots. (PP)

This article discusses Web design software that provides an easy-to-use interface. The "Netscape Communicator" is highlighted for beginning Web page construction and step-by-step instructions are provided for starting out, page colors and properties, indents, bulleted lists, tables, adding links, navigating long documents, creating e-mail links,…

A nonconventional graphical way to represent functions (the Parallel Axes Representation) is discussed. A computerized environment designed to support the exploration of the representation of linear functions is described. The didactical potential of this representation is illustrated. (CW)

Discussion of the use of authoring systems for courseware development focuses on guidelines to be considered when designing authoring systems. Topics discussed include allowing a variety of instructional strategies; interaction with peripheral processes such as student records; the editing process; and human factors in computer interface design,…

Argues that current approaches to computer graphing practices are ill suited to meet the complex needs of real users. Offers an overview of work in two major areas of graphing theory and research: the sociology of science and the educational research of mathematics and scientific students. Suggests what technical communicators can do to improve…

This guide provides information on many aspects of CD-ROM development. Storage requirements of multimedia applications such as graphic images, audio, video, and animation are provided in section one. Storage capacity, transfer rate, and access time are the three criteria used to judge various storage media. In section two, specifications for these…

Advantages of using the microcomputer as an interactive electronic blackboard are discussed, and programs and programming techniques are described to illustrate the construction, design, storage, and modification of colorful and animated graphic displays. The methods described are based on use of an Atari 800 microcomputer but could be used on…

The scenario of instructional development presented makes a case for relying on recent refinements of the computer as a tool for giving form to human knowledge. The computer is described as having a high capability to form ideas into a variety of shapes, and vary those shapes to appeal to people's sense of abstraction. The history of the…

Develops procedures for the automatic generation and incorporation of graphics (both statistical and analytical) into mathematically oriented multiple choice examinations. Uses an integrated spreadsheet to create and associate tabular data, diagrams, questions, and answers. Illustrates the process of constructing multiple choice questions and…