In an attempt to provide students with the benefit of the latest technology, some instructors include multimedia content on their class Web sites. This article introduces the basic terms and concepts needed to understand the multimedia domain. Provides a brief tutorial designed to help instructors create good, consistent audio-visual content. (AEF)

The Discetech project, which was started in 1996 in Northern Italy, aims at experimenting the introduction of new technologies within the teaching-learning activities of high school classrooms. Since 1998, a similar project, Bimbotech, has been developed for elementary classrooms (for children ages four- to seven-years old). Several hundreds of…

This paper discusses instructional design considerations related to learner assessment in multimedia instruction. Topics addressed include: current practice in learner assessment; planning and presenting instructional objectives; objectives' role in learner orientation; objectives and "Just-in-Time" learning; feedback to the learner during…

With the advances in multimedia, classrooms and the supporting infrastructures are undergoing changes. Advances that are taking place in multimedia and computer networking are described. Selected issues are then discussed for taking advantage of these educational technologies to improve instruction and learning. (Author/AEF)

To determine effects of institutional control on component use and need for meeting individual differences in course design, a survey of students at British Open University analyzed the use and helpfulness of 15 multimedia components. Concludes that controls may force students to use less helpful components and that a wide range of components…

This book discusses enhancing student achievement through project-based learning with multimedia. Chapter 1 describes project-based multimedia learning. Chapter 2 presents a multimedia primer, including the five basic types of media objects (i.e., images, text, sound, motion, and interactivity). Chapter 3 addresses making a real-world connection,…

The planning, design, production and presentation of interactive learning exhibits (ILEs) by students in elementary and secondary teaching credential programs provided authentic learning experiences in the integration of computers in teaching and learning settings. This paper includes a rationale and brief overview of the theoretical underpinnings…

This paper describes the development of an interoperable meta-database system--a system of applications using metadata--that is intended to facilitate learner-centered collaboration, access to learning resources, and the fitness of channels of information to the emerging needs of learners at both individual and group levels. Highlights include:…

Describes a CD-ROM containing a resource library for students in an information science/technology course at the Open University (United Kingdom). Development gave rise to several issues: adaptation of print-based content to the electronic medium; development of quality-control methods; and adaptation of staff roles. Feedback from students shows…

This document gives an overview of current needs expressed so far in the project for multimedia management and real-time communication services between groups of learners/workers and examine the kind of support that a standard-based technical solution "off-the-shelf" can help in solving main technical issues and in focusing on…

The faculty of the College of Education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, under the leadership of the dean, has developed a model for technology integration into teacher education. This document discusses the three key elements that are key to effectively integrating technology in teacher training: equipment, faculty training, and…

As the College of Staten Island (New York) completes the installation phase of establishing the computer network and installing computers in most faculty offices and teaching laboratories, the priority activities have become faculty training and curriculum development. Members of the Pedagogy and Media Committee have coordinated campus-wide…

Teachers in a range of disciplines are interested in engaging their students in authentic activities that reflect the experiences of real-world practitioners. Adopting this approach requires the design and implementation of learning environments that incorporate and support such activities. This paper describes two real-life cases at the…

Proposes new ways to get students involved in the classroom by using new information technology such as CD-ROM atlases. Maintains that using technology in the classroom allows students to learn at different rates, promotes critical thinking and problem solving, and encourages global awareness. Includes an evaluation of several CD-ROM atlases. (MJP)

Reports on an experiment designed to document the benefits of introducing computer exercises into an introductory human geography course. Suggests that the disappointing results reflect the fact that quantitative evaluation of multimedia effectiveness is ineffective due to the inherent complexity of learning. Recommends combining quantitative and…