Describes an online system originally designed to assist freshman writers develop research skills. The system incorporates a desktop approach to information management, using Apple Computer's HyperCard, in which students have access to a dynamic notebook and linked reference materials. Online searching in a hypertext environment is described. (CLB)

Described is an instructional aid that employs artificial intelligence methods to assist students in beginning economics courses to improve their problem-solving skills. Discussed are the rationale, structure, and evaluation of this program. (CW)

As technical compatibility standards have become critical in business and industrial computing, educational software interoperability is rapidly becoming an issue for users and developers of educational information systems. New interoperability initiatives are under way in library automation, higher education information services, and K-12…

By order of the Civil Service Commission of Belgium, Didascalia, the University of Antwerp developed an adaptive system for evaluating second-language proficiency. A computer model based on probability and information theory was developed; the first module of the ATLAS test currently assesses approximately 15,000 civil servants yearly. (one…

Describes a computer system being developed to support two-party negotiation to enhance students' learning in the area of dispute resolution. The concept of computer support as an important future direction in the area of conflict resolution and negotiation is discussed, and results of pilot testing of the prototype are reported. (Contains 17…

Discusses intelligent software agents, or knowledge robots (knowbots), and the impact they have on the Internet. Topics addressed include ethical dilemmas; problems created by rapid growth on the Internet; new technologies that are amplifying growth; and a shift to a market economy and resulting costs. (LRW)

Describes experiences in mathematics with the Renaissance Project, a project designed in the United Kingdom to demonstrate the potential for interactive multimedia in higher education. Highlights include using HyperCard for mathematics software; courseware advantages; copyright; and courseware design issues, including navigation, examples, and…

A computer program dealing with numerous aspects of soil degradation has a target audience of high school and university students (16-20 year olds), and is presented in a series of cards grouped together as stacks. Describes use of the software in Australia. (LZ)

Describes the use of the Z39.50 information retrieval protocol as the basis for Infocal, a read-only, client/server-based campus information system. Technical considerations in adapting the protocol to nonbibliographic data, including semantic modules, dynamic attribute sets, and dynamic record syntax, are described in detail. (Contains 11…

Describes five steps to help students create multimedia presentations: (1) locate, access, and analyze information; (2) design the presentation using hypermedia software; (3) organize the information and compose the text; (4) select and integrate multimedia; and (5) revise and practice. (LRW)

Describes an online process that allows high school science classes to connect to the Mount Wilson Observatory to learn about astronomy. Scheduling time for remote telescope access is explained; activities to prepare students for using the software are discussed; and benefits of the experience are considered, including students' critical thought…

Describes three companies' approaches to marketing and selling CD-ROM products on the World Wide Web. Benefits include low overhead for Internet-based sales, allowance for creativity, and ability to let customers preview products online. Discusses advertising, information delivery, content, information services, and security. (AEF)

Discusses developments in desktop videoconferencing. Highlights include document conferencing, collaboration, software, equipment, vendors, standards, customer service, costs, connectivity, professional training, systems implementation, and future perspectives. Sidebars provide examples of videoconferencing, virtual classrooms, and training…

Features Internet sites that are sources for lesson plans, materials, group discussion topics, activities, test questions, computer software, and videos for K-12 education. Resources highlighted include CNN Newsroom, KidLink, and AskERIC. (AEF)

Discusses the integration of CD-ROMs with online service producers. Highlights include publishing; LucasFilm's Habitat project; programs through Prodigy, CompuServe, America Online, and Philips Media; hybrid links to Internet sites; multiplayer games; virtual chat with avatars; and problems, including CD-ROM's slowness, download time, storage…