Describes the design principles behind a set of research-based software microworlds included in the "Building Blocks" program, a pre-kindergarten to grade 2 software-based mathematics curriculum. Discusses how to help children extend and mathematize their everyday activities and presents the nine-step design process model used.…

Emphasizes that as an answer to the demand of companies desiring to optimize their internal and external multilingual communication, the Didascalia center started the development of company-specific language courseware. Presents an overview of how Didascalia specified an answer to that demand and developed a solution. (Author/CK)

The public library has become the locus for public anxiety about children's access to objectionable material on the Internet. Discusses Judith Krug's (Director of the American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom) defense of unrestricted access, acceptable use, and filtering software. Highlights six filtering programs (client and…

Presents a strategy for designing course materials for use in multiple digital formats. Discusses initial design--planning for multiple media, instructional contexts, development strategies; designing core information--blocked text design, systematic development; porting information to other digital contexts; and revision and storage. Also…

Describes computer-animated sequences and interactive multimedia instructional programs for use in introductory chemistry which allow students to explore electrochemical cells. The workbench section enables students to manipulate the experimental apparatus, chemicals, and instruments in order to design and build an experiment. The interactive…

Discussion of computer-based simulations focuses on the development of a coaching agent as an alternative to traditional feedback for a multimedia simulation that will help change training from traditional instructor-led courses to learn-by-doing simulations for point-of-need training. The limitations of traditional feedback are examined. (LRW)

Considers the idea of interactivity and its parameters, suggesting that historians must raise their expectations for educational software used in teaching their students. Presents a taxonomy of interactivity for computer tutorials stating that students need motivation, opportunity, and a means to learn. (CMK)

Discusses the use of Blackboard COURSEINFO at Miami University (Ohio). Focuses on the promotion of courseware intended for supplementing traditional teaching, but not replacing it. Describes the content of COURSEINFO and includes graphics, displaying sections of COURSEINFO. (CMK)

Describes the use of WebCT course management software to teach a hybrid course in graduate library science at Rowan University (New Jersey). Discusses the combination of conventional face-to-face instruction with distance education; integrating use of the Internet; password-protected Web sites; and technical difficulties, including access to…

This article describes a software tutorial that can be used by people who are blind to learn the Nemeth Code of Braille mathematics notation. The program was designed for use with the Braille Lite, a note taker that has speech and a refreshable Braille display. The tutorial has 18 lessons. (CR)

Discusses issues and procedures involved in auditing the automated acquisitions system at Ohio State University Libraries. The audit process is explained, internal controls within the system are identified, general control mechanisms such as limited electronic access are discussed, and application control mechanisms that relate to specific…

Compares "Library Literature" with "Library and Information Science Abstracts" (LISA) and outlines searching LISA on the SilverPlatter CD-ROM. Use of indexes and abstracts to aid information retrieval is explained; abstracting services are described; and five steps in writing an abstract are listed. Abstracts and annotations…

Discusses the use of microcomputer-based workstations that are provided for public access in libraries. Criteria for workstations are discussed, including standard hardware, open-design software, scalable interface, and connectivity options for networking; systems that provide full-text access are described; and the need for standards is…

Describes a microcomputer program aimed at making reading comprehension exercises more efficient. The program is based on the ideas of hypermedia, a new computer science paradigm. (Author/VWL)

This article presents a technique that builds linear equations to approximate Fry's readability graph. A BASIC program building the linear equations and providing the grade levels is provided. (Author/YP)