Voted the greatest book of all time in several polls, J. R. R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings has been made into three films between 2001-2003 by New Zealand director Peter Jackson with the complete trilogy out on DVD in 2004. Prompted by the question: "What would Tolkien have made of them?" Mark Sinker discusses the films and the books by way of…

Examines virtual reality (VR), and discusses the dilemma of defining VR, the limitations of the current technology, and the implications of VR for education. Highlights include a VR experience; human factors and the interface; and altered reality versus VR. (Author/AEF)

The first of two articles discusses the current status of desktop publishing, including some of its benefits and limitations. The second article compares and critiques both hardware and software currently available for the Macintosh and for MS-DOS microcomputers. A glossary of typographic terms is included. (CLB)

Presents concepts from von Wodtke's book, "Mind over Media," to suggest ways to teach thinking skills important for the electronic information age. Topics covered include how to use media interactively, navigating information environments, developing cognitive maps of media space, visualization, creative thinking, and collaboration. (KRN)

Reviews the current status of satellite remote sensing data, including problems with efficient storage and rapid retrieval of the data, and appropriate computer graphics to process images. Areas of research concerned with overcoming these problems are described. (16 references) (CLB)

Discusses interactive multimedia journal (IMMJ) articles; examines limitations and problems of the format; provides recommendations for how to use IMMJ most effectively; and recommends ways of developing initial tests of its impact on audiences. (AEF)

This paper describes analytical concepts that can be applied to a comprehensive database containing information on students, teachers, and schools. The concepts are presented in terms of displays, potential inferences, and possible difficulties. Statistical techniques are mentioned, but not rigorously developed. Focus is on displays that can be…

Trends in computer graphics include increasing speed of processing, higher-resolution computer displays, and easier-to-use software with expanded clip-art libraries and high-quality templates. In the 1990s, colleges and faculty should be preparing for the changes this will soon bring in the teaching/learning process. (MSE)

Describes use of computer software to improve staff preparedness for emergencies that may strike the library. Highlights include the Emergency Information System (EIS), which uses integrated emergency management databases with computer graphic maps of the surrounding area and floor plans of the library. Non-emergency applications of the software…

Presents a case study of the design and production of "Interactive Calculus," an interactive multimedia textbook. Discusses reasons for using multimedia textbooks; what an interactive textbook is; content, organization, graphic design, authoring and composition; and work flow. (AEF)

Uncovers issues in indexing that need scientific research, including the cognitive processes of indexers and users; vocabulary control; how best to supplement human indexers' intellectual effort with computer capabilities; structure and layout of indexes on the printed page and on the computer screen; and evaluation of indexes. (Contains 21…

Presents results from elementary school classroom uses of the Computer Supported Integrated Learning Environments (CSILE) software that stores student productions, including text and graphics, in one database to which all users have simultaneous access. Educational uses, effects, and outcomes of CSILE are described; and knowledge construction is…