Presents a discussion of laser disk systems developed by different institutions to store and distribute information and visual images. Includes information on storage, preservation, and use in the classroom or for research. Evaluates image quality, storage capacity, and transmissibility. Urges use of the videodisk to organize information and…

This paper reports on a research and development program which developed a more effective interface between personal computer (PC) users with disabilities and computer systems. The program emulates a PC keyboard, enabling disabled PC users to access standard software via a binary (switch) control element. (Author/DB)

Reviews student use of electronic searching tools and the effect of software changes on user satisfaction and success. Discusses the results of two surveys of InfoTrac users before and after software changes at Northern Illinois University, and proposes three strategies systems developers can take to balance the differing needs of sophisticated…

Describes the required hardware, software, and configuration of the local area network for information sources and CD-ROMS in the medical libraries at Erasmus University, Rotterdam. Problems encountered with microcomputer diversity, memory requirements, device drivers, and Microsoft Extension software are related; and the network's future growth…

Discusses CD-ROM searching at the University of Charleston; reports the results of a user survey that was conducted to evaluate use of the CD-ROM databases; and describes the design and development of a computer-assisted instruction (CAI) program that explains the basics of searching, retrieving, and printing records using SilverPlatter. (LRW)

Describes a nine-week interdisciplinary study of the environment for middle school students, based on the computer simulation "Decisions, Decisions: The Environment," which involves group work, independent work, and a lot of writing. (SR)

Provides detailed instructions for setting up general purpose CD-ROM workstations using IBM compatible microcomputers and tells how to make CD-ROM disks available to the general user. Use of standardized hardware and software, utility programs, DOS batch files, a shell program, and a hypertext program at the University of Idaho Library are…

Discusses adult learner characteristics, explains events of instruction, and describes how the characteristics of adult learners can be merged with these events of instruction to help facilitate instruction in software use. Highlights include gaining attention; motivation; stimulating recall of prerequisite material; feedback; performance…

Describes the development and use of computer-based teaching (CBT) at the University of Liverpool based on interviews with faculty members. Topics discussed include why CBT is used, including cost effectiveness and remedial instruction; how courseware should be developed; and case studies in a variety of subject areas. (Contains 20 references.)…

Maintains that an expanding amount of information about the United Nations is available through on-line databases, CD-ROMs, and diskettes. Presents a review of information resources: (1) online databases; (2) diskettes; and (3) CD-ROMs. Includes a chart of 28 United Nations database addresses on the Internet as of August 1994. (CFR)

Tom Corddry, Microsoft Corporation's Creative Director for the Consumer Division, is interviewed about the Microsoft Home line of products and the development of related CD-ROM and multimedia products. Reasons for Microsoft's entry into the content market and its challenges, the market's future, and the company's interest in developing online…

Examines assumptions inherent in open-ended learning; describes features of open-ended learning environments; and discusses implications for research, development, and implementation of open-ended learning systems. Highlights include context and experience; learner control; higher-order cognitive skills; understanding versus knowing; orienting…

Presents a conceptual view of computer-based systems and software applications for three areas of social studies instruction: (1) citizenship transmission; (2) social science; and (3) reflective inquiry. Concludes that software manufacturers must understand the implications of the fractious nature of the current social studies field. (CFR)

Describes Orientation Express, a Macintosh Hypercard program developed at Pima Community College (Arizona), which guides students through Pima's West Campus Library and its services. Illustrates various computer screens that appear as part of the program. (DMM)

This evaluation of means of accessing data on the U.S. Census Bureau CD-ROM Test Disc 2 describes computer hardware configurations considered in determining the most efficient method of manipulating the data, and mentions software options. Two dBASE configurations are compared, and it is concluded that the 80386 is essential for efficient…