Extension educators are increasingly using online resources in their program design and delivery. Usability testing is essential for ensuring that these resources are relevant and useful to learners. On the basis of our experiences with iteratively developing products using a testing service called UserTesting, we promote the use of fee-based…

Providing accessible library services and instruction to distance users with disabilities can seem daunting. This article, which grew out of a webinar presented by the author to the Health Science Special Interest Group of ACRL, provides practical strategies to help content creators utilize built-in accessibility features and provides a resources…

Business intelligence and information logistics have become an important part of teaching curricula in recent years due to the increased demand for adequately trained graduates. Since these fields are characterized by a high amount of software and methodology innovations, teaching materials and teaching aids require constant updating. Teradata has…

OpenCourseWare (OCW) is one among several models for offering open educational resources (OER). This article explains the OCW model and its position within the broader OER context. OCW primarily represents publication of existing course materials already in use for teaching purposes. OCW projects are most often institutional, carrying the…

The paper will argue that adopting a learning design methodology may provide a vehicle for enabling better design and reuse of Open Educational Resources (OERs). It will describe a learning design methodology, which is being developed and implemented at the Open University in the UK. The aim is to develop a "pick and mix" learning design…

The unprecedented growth of the World Wide Web has resulted in a profusion of educational resources. The challenge for faculty is finding these resources and integrating them into their instruction. Even after the resource is found, the instructor must assess the effectiveness of the resource. As the number of educational web sites mount into the…

Outlines the attributes of "BaseMap," a map-making software package. Locating specific outline maps is a consistently frustrating problem for most instructors. BaseMap allows teachers to copy any map onto their clipboard and make revisions using standard word processing programs. Provides a quick overview of the tools and functions. (MJP)

In the K-12 education sector, learning objects are seen as important in providing quality resources for teachers and learners but there has been little formal research on the assessment of learning objects based on the qualities that would be important for K-12 teachers. In this paper we describe the developments in the K-12 sector, the arguments…

Examines computer-mediated communication (CMC) in higher education, particularly the evaluation of network resources for course-related student communication. Presents case studies of e-mail seminars in Scottish language studies and music, demonstrates the significance of emphasizing process over outcome, and discusses factors affecting CMC usage:…

One of the major shifts in education today under the influence of information and communication technologies is that there is an increased tendency toward the use of computers and Internet. The process of ICT integration in schools reaches a considerable level of maturity and teachers and students are optimizing the learning opportunities with the…

Reviews the Global Telecommunications Helping Inquiry, Negotiation and Knowledge (T.H.I.N.K.) simulation project developed by Lloyd Christopherson. Interviews Christopherson about the development, goals, and use of Global T.H.I.N.K. Provides a World Wide Web address for finding the project and teachers' guidebooks for running the simulation. (DSK)

Provides a thorough and useful evaluation of two interactive multimedia US history programs. "Vital Issues: Reshaping and Industrializing the Nation" covers US history from European contact to the present. "Powers of Persuasion" focuses on the art of propaganda in World War II. Includes extensive information on both products.…

Reviews a list of seven Web sites that provide extensive information on software available from educational agencies or companies specializing in media products. Recommends 15 social studies software programs covering a variety of topics including the Mayan civilization, Abraham Lincoln, and the Vietnam War. (MJP)