Reports on an investigation which utilized multidimensional scaling (MDS) of paired comparison judgments as a means of evaluating representations for moving image documents. Discusses implications of the findings for visual information retrieval and the development of digital video collections. (Author/AEF)

The scaffolding metaphor was originally developed to describe the support given by a more expert individual in a one-on-one interaction. Since then, the notion of scaffolding has been applied more broadly, and it has been transformed and generalized. Most recently, it has been used by researchers in the learning sciences to describe features and…

Background: Palmtop computers provide a promising mobile platform to address barriers to computer-based supports for people with intellectual disabilities. This study evaluated a specially designed interface to make navigation and features of palmtop computers more accessible to users with intellectual disabilities. Method: The specialised…

This research effort compared and contrasted two conceptually different methods for the exploration of human anatomy in the first-year dissection laboratory by accomplished students: "physical" dissection using an embalmed cadaver and "digital" dissection using three-dimensional volume modeling of whole-body CT and MRI image sets acquired using…

The purpose of this study was to examine students' attitudes and perceptions toward the use of technology-based instruction (i.e., Inspiration 6.0 software) and a guided notes format as an instructional strategy in inclusive world history classrooms. Students' completed a six item 3 choice student satisfaction survey (agree, undecided, disagree)…

Student retention in Computer Science is becoming a serious concern among Educators in many colleges and universities. Most institutions currently face a significant drop in enrollment in Computer Science. A number of different tools and strategies have emerged to address this problem (e.g., BlueJ, Karel Robot, etc.). Although these tools help to…

Describes the use of a commercial hypermedia package for the development of an intelligent tutoring system (ITS) for the Army's Mobile Subscriber Remote Telephone. Time comparisons with an ITS developed by programmers are discussed; users' evaluations of the two versions are described; and questionnaires used in the study are appended. (Contains…

Applications are now available that allow teachers to create presentations and programs tailored to the exact needs of their students. This paper examines tools that may be used for presentations. Programming environments that may be used to develop computer aided instructional programs are also compared and contrasted. The availability of…

This paper describes how electronic presentations are currently used by business people. Business people in the United States and Sweden were surveyed to determine how they are using the medium. A questionnaire was mailed to 506 business people in the United States (201 returned) and to 80 business people in Sweden (76 returned). Results are…

This digest reviews three CD-ROM (compact disc-read only memory) versions of the ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) database currently being delivered or tested and provides information for comparison. However, no attempt is made to recommend any one product. The advantages and disadvantages of the acquisition of CD-ROM databases are…

Because a microcomputer system can be an expensive acquisition, the purchase decision needs to be made carefully. Steps to purchasing a microcomputer include: evaluating the data and word processing needs of the office, determining needs being met with existing capabilities, and making a cost-benefit comparison among systems. (MLW)

For equivalent computer power, smaller computers are not more expensive than larger computers. The cost of computing in the immediate future will be governed not by hardware costs but rather by personnel, software, and communications costs. (Author/MLW)

Compares seven mid- to high-end multimedia authoring software systems that combine graphics, sound, animation, video, and text for Windows and Macintosh platforms. A run-time project was created with each program using video, animation, graphics, sound, formatted text, hypertext, and buttons. (LRW)

Pseudo-Bayesian and joint maximum likelihood procedures were compared for their ability to estimate item parameters for item response theory's (IRT's) three-parameter logistic model. Item responses were generated for sample sizes of 2,000 and 500; test lengths of 35 and 15; and examinees of high, medium, and low ability. (TJH)

Discusses parallels between Bloom's taxonomy for cognitive learning outcomes and hypertext design, and argues that hypertext designs should be consistent with desired learning outcomes. Bloom's taxonomy is explained; hypertext designs are described and diagrammed; and the need for more research connecting hypertext design and effective learning is…