Describes applications of HyperCard, including SuperDuper Gradebook and HyperMedia Information Retrieval System (HIRS). Also described is the creation of an instructional software library called the HyperMedia and Instructional StackWare Clearinghouse (HISC), which will evaluate programs for educators, trainers, and instructional technologists.…

Describes videoconferencing using Sorensen EnVision, a hardware-accelerated desktop videoconferencing solution that allows low bandwidth communication using the Internet. Presents example of its use for conducting meetings and in a variety of educational settings. (LRW)

Explores the potential for using Intelligent Educational Systems (IES) for anchoring instruction in macro contexts in science education. Topics include anchored instruction; situated cognition; problem solving; cognitivism; interactive video environments; and examples of combining IES and anchored instruction. (LRW)

Describes fiber optic cables and coaxial cables and considers when each would be appropriate for educational technology. Single mode versus multimode fiber optics are explained, advantages and disadvantages of each type of cable are discussed, and guidelines for choosing fiber optic cables and coaxial cables are offered. (LRW)

Discusses changes in the Internet, including new e-mail addresses. Several new discussion groups are described, including groups that encourage participation by kindergarten through grade 12 students, parents, teachers, and administrators; one concerning curriculum issues; and one exploring educational potentials of the Internet. (LRW)

Describes the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), a digital telecommunications system. Applications of ISDN in the classroom are examined, including information systems such as computers and fax machines; video conferencing; desktop computer conferencing; and voice messaging and caller identification. Cost estimates are also included.…

Discusses the use of interactive media in computer-based training and describes a workbook and software package--Interactive Toolkit--designed for students learning to use interactive media. The package covers the basics of instructional design and how interactive media works, and a simple authoring system for creating computer-based training…

Describes a study that examined current practices of distance educators regarding their use of synchronous (chat) and asynchronous (bulletin board) text-based communication in online courses, based on an ongoing worldwide online survey of distance educators. Discusses reasons for using each type of communication and offers recommendations for…

Discusses the use of technology to help students with learning disabilities, particularly dyslexia. Highlights include BookWise, a microcomputer-based interactive reading system, and provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act that apply to employees with physical or mental limitations who are otherwise qualified workers. (LRW)

Explains instructional syntax analysis, a tool to demonstrate and analyze the interaction and communication between the computer instructional system and the computer user. Focuses on two areas of technology-based instruction: modeling/visualization and online learning. Discusses the rating of interactivity on scales of immersion and of…

Describes a centralized and standardized training program developed by the Department of Veterans Affairs to train newly hired claims examiners. Topics addressed include site selection; technology used in training; curricula development; training the trainers; and trainee reactions. (LRW)

Describes the development of a template for interactive case studies that was used for an online continuing medical education course on genetics for health care providers. Discusses goals of the template system, including the production of additional case studies with no additional programming costs and easy updating capabilities. (LRW)

Examines the current status and short-term future of computer software development in higher education. Topics discussed include educational advantages of software; current program development techniques, including object oriented programming; and market trends, including IBM versus Macintosh and multimedia programs. (LRW)

Describes streaming media, an audio/video presentation that is delivered across a network so that it is viewed while being downloaded onto the user's computer, including a continuous stream of video that can be pre-recorded or live. Discusses its use for nontraditional students in higher education and reports on implementation experiences. (LRW)

Reports on the Association for Educational Technology (AECT) Summer Leadership Institute (Montreal, Canada, July 2000). The Institute opened with icebreaker activities. Then the results of last year's summer institute were reviewed. Participants re-acted to the fuzzy cognitive map that was generated last year. AECT and its future, Web-based…