Reflecting the inter-connected reality of today's world, contemporary education is striving to keep up with the exponentially rapid changes that individuals around the globe are facing. Innovative educational proposals carry labels such as connective learning (Downes, 2006), e-learning 2.0 (Downes, 2005), education 2.0 (Carr et al., 2008), or…

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)

Explains how to decide what type of computer to buy for a small academic library, based on software requirements, staff and patron use, and PC technology. Topics include the central processing unit; types of memory; storage devices; ports; multimedia capabilities; modems; operating systems; and monitors. (LRW)

Describes the use of a barcode reader, rather than a computer, to control an interactive videodisc for presentations and self-paced tutorials. Highlights include hardware and software used; remote and direct communication; a HyperCard-based program to make barcodes; and converting an existing program. (LRW)

Discusses the use of computer systems for archival applications based on experiences at the Demarco European Arts Foundation (Scotland) and the TAMH Project, an attempt to build a virtual museum of Tay Valley maritime history. Highlights include hardware; development software; data representation, including storage space versus quality;…

Discussion of an organizational change at the University of Wisconsin that merged two departments to create the Instructional Technology Center highlights staffing, including staff training and development; space and physical renovation; hardware and software acquisition; the use of multimedia; and implementing a new core curriculum. (LRW)

Describes the process of creating recordable CD-ROMs for faculty classroom multimedia presentations that combine the benefits of traditional overhead transparencies with the benefits of multimedia. Highlights include hardware; software, including presentation software, media integrators, and authoring software; image databases; file management…

Discusses CD-ROM technology in conjunction with three components of the virtual library: (1) a fully functional computerized network; (2) digital information that is content rich; (3) knowledgeable users. These concepts are related to the results of a study of CD-ROM applications in 301 secondary-school library media centers. (eight references)…

Presents an overview of interactive multimedia learning systems. Highlights include hardware platforms; authoring programs; benefits; cost savings; empowerment; multiple sensory learning; barriers to implementation; a strategy for the improvement of existing training programs; an evaluation checklist; and possible future developments. (Author/LRW)

Designed for education leaders who seek to apply multimedia technology in schools, this guide addresses not only hardware and software matters, but also a wide range of related issues that schools face. Various facets of the topic are addressed in 12 papers presented under 8 broad headings: (1) Multimedia Technology (Racquel Skolnik and R. G.…

Schools are currently receiving increased funds for multimedia software for classrooms. There is a need for good software in the schools, and there is a need to know how to evaluate software and not naively rely on advertisements. Evaluators of multimedia software for education must have the skills to critically evaluate and make decisions not…

Highlights multimedia CD-ROMs that can describe pictures aloud for blind users and turn sound into text for the deaf. Outlines barriers confronting blind users. Discusses software programs designed to significantly improve access to multimedia software for users with disabilities and presents evaluation criteria for purchasing the most accessible…

This paper describes a college math and computer science educator's experience integrating multimedia materials in classroom instruction. It serves as a "tutorial" for non-computer science educators considering adding multimedia presentations to their instruction. The paper covers: the time commitment for developing and integrating multimedia…

Describes installation and configuration of Mosaic and a World Wide Web (WWW) site at Grainger Library. Challenges include choosing a WINSOCK; customizing Mosaic for public-access computers; reducing security risks; maximizing Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME); designing a home page; producing Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) documents.…

Selection and evaluation of electronic resources have prompted school librarians and media specialists to examine collection development guidelines and procedures. This article discusses criteria for selection and evaluation of CD-ROMs to meet the needs of the library, teachers, students, and curriculum. Includes forms for courseware description…