Discusses how advancements in computer graphics technology, especially hypermedia, are changing the language of visual communication and defining multidimensional communication models that require new perspectives in information design. Suggests that an understanding of these new communication models can be enhanced by examining works of…

Discusses the importance of the computer in the history of literacy and proposes that electronic technology will foster change in both the structure and symbolic character of writing. Writing as technology, the structure of electronic text, computer symbols, the spatial character of writing, and writing and speaking are considered. (EM)

Discusses the historical development of hypertext/hypermedia, recent advances in their application, and potential problems with this technology. A hypermedia research and development project (PROJECT EMPEROR-I) that experimented with several major delivery system platforms is described and the potential of this type of application for librarians,…

The rapid adoption of graphic user interface (GUI), as indicated by Microsoft's Windows95 and the Internet's increased use of graphics, is threatening information technology opportunities for people with disabilities. Recent legislation requires that schools provide access to computers and information technology, and producers of Mosaic are…

Discusses new possibilities that computers and laser printers offer instructional technologists. Includes a brief history of printed communications, a description of new technological advances referred to as "desktop publishing," and suggests the application of this technology to instructional tasks. (TW)

Discusses the current state of the art in virtual reality (VR), its historical background, and future possibilities. Highlights include applications in medicine, art and entertainment, science, business, and telerobotics; and VR for information science, including graphical display of bibliographic data, libraries and books, and cyberspace.…

Discussion of electronic information access in libraries focuses on five areas that impact quality and cost: (1) hardware, including networking, graphics, and full-text capabilities; (2) software; (3) access and utilization, including Internet and instruction and training; (4) licensing, including suggestions for publishers as well as librarians;…

This special feature focuses on recent developments in optical disk technology. Nine articles discuss current trends, large scale image processing, data structures for optical disks, the use of computer simulators to create optical disks, videodisk use in training, interactive audio video systems, impacts on federal information policy, and…

Explores children's systems of combining drawing, talk, and writing (i.e., symbol-weaving) with traditional media and with new information technology. Social aspects of writing are discussed, and new information technology is examined, including clip art software, word processing, graphics, color, hypermedia, CD-ROM, and microworlds. (23…

Two college educators offer their personal stories of adopting technology for college teaching in different disciplinary contexts (a physics course for nonmajors and a design course for interior designers and architects), and the process of redesigning curricula, rethinking instructional techniques, and revising student assessment accordingly.…