Provides a comprehensive system for professional evaluation of CD-ROM software. The system extends the work of Peter Jacso by including a detailed evaluation form using a simplified rating scale. It also incorporates the CD-ROM Consistent Interface Guidelines, which propose 13 basic functions for CD-ROM user interfaces. The evaluation form is…

Describes trends in CD-ROM retrieval software design and discusses the need to evaluate such software in terms of the specific requirements of the purchaser. A checklist of general evaluation criteria for five aspects of access software--hardware/software dependencies, interface features, search and retrieval functions, output functions and…

The retrieval interfaces of six CD-ROM databases are examined to demonstrate their differences and similarities. An alternative interface is suggested which offers users a choice between a menu driven system and the Common Command Language, a proposed standard. (12 references) (EAM)

Evaluates six CD-ROM products for library users that provide information on companies: (1) CD/Corporate: U.S. Public Companies; (2) Compact D/SEC; (3) Compustat PC Plus Corporate Text; (4) General Business File; (5) Moody's 5000 Plus; and (6) Standard and Poor's Corporations. Information provided includes companies included, online database…

Presents the results of a comparative evaluation of four CD-ROM retrieval software packages using the Revised Richards-Brown CD-ROM Software Evaluation Model. CD Answer, SPIRS, KAware2, and ROMware are evaluated, and results indicate that SPIRS and CD Answer are the favored packages. (LRW)

This book provides descriptions of approximately 270 CD-ROM packages and series, and references to dozens of others, all which are especially suitable for libraries. Organized by subject, entries include the vendor price (when available), platform and hardware requirements, and availability of network versions. In addition, evaluative comments…

A CD-I disk entitled "KLEINBILD-FOTOGRAPHIE" published with an interactive course in photography is examined as an example of a multimedia educational program. Topics include multimedia in the twenty-first century; possibilities and limitations of CD-I; a description of the program; and its psychological perspectives in terms of…

Predictive evaluation of educational software is problematic because such instructional materials should be evaluated only setting by setting. A situated approach suggests that appropriate evaluation can be performed by considering interactions between the three principal actors in the development and use of the software: teacher, designer, and…

Discusses interactivity as it pertains to learning. Presents the findings of a survey of primary school teachers asked to evaluate two science-based CD-ROMS and the resulting theoretical framework of cognitive interactivity. Identifies dimensions for teachers to assess (visibility and accessibility, manipulability and annotatability, creativity…

Provides historical background information about multimedia CD-ROM encyclopedias and evaluates 11 recent releases. Discusses access to information, costs, content, technological developments. Rates the text, multimedia, and user interface. A sidebar provides a 10-year chronology of CD-ROM encyclopedias. (AEF)

Describes and compares several exchange/transfer formats used to upload records into software host programs, including unstructured or plain ASCII; fixed field; delimited ASCII; tagged; MARC (Machine Readable Cataloging); and graphic. It is concluded that CD-ROM producers should strengthen the built-in output management of programs and offer…

Investigates the nature of expertise in the interpretation of cultural artifacts, particularly the Concheros dance of Mexico. Tests CD-ROM-based multimedia software designed to teach expert evaluation strategies. Shows that, compared with a control group, students using the software exhibited a greater ability to interpret the Concheros dance.…

This paper is based on the premise that as computer assisted learning becomes more prevalent, teachers will be required to make decisions as to the quality of the software available for instruction. Assessment guidelines from the ERIC Clearinghouse on Reading, English, and Communication Digest No. 79 and the North Carolina Department of Public…

This paper provides a brief comparative summary of the results of U.S. and European studies on the use of CD-ROM and other optical products in all types of libraries and information centers. In 1987 and 1988, questionnaires were distributed to academic, public, and special libraries in the United States and to libraries in 18 European countries:…

Reviews the literature on the design and evaluation of user interfaces on CD-ROM. Defines interfaces, dialogs and interaction and explores diversity in, and issues associated with, standardization in interface design for CD-ROMs. Reviews current criteria and guidelines for the evaluation of CD-ROM interfaces and proposes alternative guidelines.…