Discussion of support for authoring educational software focuses on a shift from attention on activities to products, and describes the SIMQUEST authoring system for designing and creating simulation-based multimedia learning environments that include support for the discovery process of the learner consisting of explanations, assignments, a…

Discusses usability engineering for multimedia learning environments and considers how it can benefit the design and development of educational software. Describes the design and development of interactive multimedia software for second-language learning that included input from users and field testing for usability. (Author/LRW)

Teachers have acknowledged the richer learning environment and interactivity of multimedia teaching, its flexibility to different learning styles, and learner control that allows the learner to fully engage in the learning process. However, they still have problems in courseware design because their work is mainly centered on exercises and not on…

System dynamics has been shown to be an effective tool in managing the complexities of domains that involve complex structures. A framework is suggested for using system dynamic tools and technologies as the basis for constructing highly engaging learning environments. (Author/AEF)

This paper argues that Merrill's instructional transaction theory provides a framework that can decrease learners' problems in using computer simulations by specifying transaction shells rather than frames in designing interactive courseware. The three types of data used in a transaction, i.e., an instructional algorithm, are identified as a…

This paper discusses the use of Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) techniques for computer-aided learning (CAL); the work was started in the context of project Nestor, a joint effort of German universities about cooperative multimedia authoring/learning environments. There are four major categories of cooperation for CAL: author/author,…

Outlines an investigation into the nature of metacognition and its relation to the learning process in a constructivist interactive multimedia learning environment. Topics include the relationship between metacognition and learning technologies (and an example), the learner's perspective, the designer's perspective, and the teacher's perspective.…

Describes Hyper Apuntes, an interactive learning environment developed at the University Carlos III of Madrid which teaches students the basic concepts of computer programming. Discusses results of an evaluation of the courseware that assessed its usability and utility and collected suggestions for improving the system. (Author/LRW)

Describes Coastal Zone Management (CZM) multimedia course modules, educational software written by the GeoData Institute at the University of Southamptom for an environmental management undergraduate course. Examines five elements that converge to create CZM multimedia teaching: course content, source material, a hardware/software delivery system,…

Reports the preliminary results of a research project that investigated the phenomenon of disorientation in hypertexts with middle school students. Presents experiences in setting up a benchmark for measuring this phenomenon and lessons learned regarding measuring the performance of people using hypertext technology in an educational environment.…

Describes the development of an Interactive Teaching and Learning Environment for Graph Sketching (ITALEGS) of polynomial graphs at the college level. Highlights include hypermedia examples, the design of questionnaires for evaluation, and enhancing effectiveness by incorporating pedagogical content knowledge in computer-assisted instruction.…

The development of potentially powerful computer-based tools within rich learning environments is hampered by the constraints of delivery systems (specifically low-resolution, low-real estate displays). In designing a World Wide Web-based tool for manipulating time-based information, the authors have encountered a lack of guidelines or empirical…

Discusses the evaluation of SToMP (Software Teaching of Modular Physics), a project that uses hypermedia to provide the resources an undergraduate student needs to study physics courses via a computer. Findings show that SToMP allows students to have individualized self-paced learning environments and offers better tutor-student contact. (JMV)

Discussion of educational computer simulations focuses on the parallel instruction theory that was developed at the University of Twente to combine the simulation with instructional materials, including those that may be printed. The MacTHESIS design system and philosophy are discussed, and simulation and learning environments based on the…

At Canada's University of New Brunswick (UNB), adult educators and computer experts jointly identified criteria for designing UNB's new Internet-based distance education delivery system called PSyCo (Presentation System for Courses). The 10 criteria that became the PSyCo blueprint were based on principles from three areas: architecture and design,…