Interactive multimedia is finding favor as a time-saving training tool. This article discusses how organizations could justify investing in instructional multimedia by quantifying: (1) productivity lost through lack of training; (2) costs of time spent in other types of training, particularly those conducted offsite; and (3) savings represented by…

Describes the evolution and emergence of three-dimensional media (3D) as interactive courseware. Topics of discussion include how the new media is developed; what training applications it can offer; systems requirements in hardware and architecture; specific tasks and phases in the development process; costs; and advantages and limitations. (BEW)

Description of features of integrated learning systems (ILS) compares minicomputer- and microcomputer-based systems; provides updated buyers' guide information on networked-microcomputer ILSs, ILS courseware, and minicomputer-based ILSs; and presents educators' opinions of these systems. (MBR)

Discusses the costs of producing durable educational software in an academic environment and describes an optimized software life cycle that has been implemented at the University of Cambridge (England) Engineering Department. Topics addressed include needs assessment; specifications; program design; implementation and testing; feedback; and…

Benchmarking information technology services has become a vital activity for colleges and universities. The COSTS Project (http://www.costsproject.org/) is an ongoing quantitative effort to benchmark the costs of providing IT services in higher education; the project helps institutions understand their IT budgets and staffing relative to peer…

Reviews the potential relationship between visualization and effective instruction. Highlights include the use of graphical user interfaces for enhancing visual communication, integrating visual communication into courseware design, theoretical principles of visual communication, empirical research needs, AIME (amount of invested mental effort),…

Describes efforts to include cooperative learning and multimedia in a general chemistry lecture course at the State University of New York College at Oneonta. Highlights include the need for a new course design due to declining student performance, the use of presentation software, costs, student reactions, and differences in teaching styles. (LRW)

Although three curriculum-delivery systems which use terminals to download curriculum software from a super microcomputer offer advantages of individualized instruction over several grade levels with individual student progress reports and updated software, the expense of the initial installation makes it difficult for them to compete with…

Systematically investigates, defines, and organizes variables related to production of internally designed and implemented computer assisted instruction (CAI) courseware: special needs of users; costs; identification and definition of realistic training needs; CAI definition and design methodology; hardware and software requirements; and general…

Describes development shells and navigation templates that were designed by American Airlines trainers for the development of interactive multimedia instruction. Development time and cost are considered; functional requirements, including learning objectives, are discussed; and development shells for lessons, skills assessment, and proficiency…

Discusses interactive videodisc technology (IVD) development and potential; education and training capabilities specifically related to developing countries; costs; technical capabilities; likely applications which justify IVD's initial programming expenses; specific IVD applications relative to remedial mathematics and science education, job…

Advances in multimedia and video technology have made more sophistication in educational software almost necessary, requiring complex team authorship and production considerations. Colleges and schools can be active in software development and perhaps keep software production down to earth. The transition will be expensive and require many and…

In this article, the author cites the many questions familiar to all who ponder the role of the university in the modern world. Among them are the following: (1) What is the appropriate use of "educational technology" in teaching, learning, and scholarship?; (2) What will be the nature of globalization of higher education?; (3) Will the Internet…

Discusses benefits of the adoption of educational software for other languages and cultures and describes experiences translating "Work Rooms" HyperCard software into Catalan and Bulgarian. Topics addressed include English as a foreign language; social and financial benefits; language issues; and visual issues. (Contains three…

The impact of computers on college and university campuses is seen in computer-delivered courses, computer-based instructional materials, and most dramatically, in transformation of the institutional infrastructure, including campus communications and library services. The greatest challenge today is growing demand for services in a period of…