Describes capabilities of Digi-Data's high-capacity computer storage tape drive, Gigastore, and FileTek's Storage Machine/1. Optical digital disk (ODD) leaders' reactions, opinions, and new products are reported. A directory of 13 ODD sources is included. (MES)

Describes Compact Disc Interactive (CD-I), a multimedia product targeted toward consumers that combines audio, video, and graphic materials on compact disc and connects to a standard television. Titles that the vendor plans to offer are listed, and include children's materials, special interest materials, and entertainment titles. (LRW)

Describes Photo CD Portfolio, an Eastman Kodak product that provides interactive multimedia CD-ROM production capability. The article focuses on the capabilities of the tool's simplest authoring system, Create It, which allows users to work with Photo CD, PICT, or TIFF images, add graphics, text and audio, and create menus with branching. (KRN)

Recommends three videotapes for Head Start parents and staff, six videotapes for children, and four CD-ROMs for children. Describes the programs and provides information on recommended ages, suggested retail price, and publisher. (KB)

Developed as a service to the health sciences community, this monograph is intended as an introduction to interactive videodisk technology. It describes both videodisk and compact disk technologies and different videodisk player formats, and discusses some of the major factors that educators considering videodisk adoption should consider. The…

Reviews six computer software programs that emphasize drawing, science, and math skills: (1) "Brushstrokes" (Claris); (2) "Tempra Vision" (Mathematica); (3) "Draw to Learn" (Draw to Learn Associates); (4) "Coaster" (Disney Software); (5) "Rediscover Science" (Edunetics); and (6) "Rediscover Math" (Edunetics). (MDM)

Examined are large curriculum software packages that currently dominate school networks. Indicates ways that networks could serve schools. Discusses different Integrated Learning Systems (ILS), evaluates their use and proposes future uses of these networks. (CW)

Describes some of the characteristics of Compact Disk-Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) technology. Reviews two CD-ROM products: (1) "Sammy's Science House," which introduces fundamental processes in science; and (2) "Dangerous Creatures," which allows exploration of a world of more than 250 endangered species. (TM)

Provides an overview of five major systems utilizing optical media, including basic descriptions, applications, configurations, and advantages and disadvantages. Systems covered are interactive videodisc, compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), integrated systems, digital video interactive, and QuickTime and Video for Windows. (five references)…

Reviews children's software packages: (1) "Fun 'N Games"--nonviolent games and activities; (2) "Putt-Putt Saves the Zoo"--matching, logic games, and animal facts; (3) "Big Job"--12 logic games with video from job sites; (4) "JumpStart First Grade"--15 activities introducing typical school lessons; and (5) "Read, Write, & Type!"--progressively…

Describes PODIUM, an educational software application that serves as a user interface to IBM's multimedia hardware. Faculty lecture outlines using IBM's InfoWindow and Audio Visual Connection (AVC) are explained for the fields of science, mathematics, music, and art, and a facility at the University of Delaware for using multimedia is described.…

Reviews three geography and history CD-ROMs: "GeoSafari Platinum Edition," a multimedia game on history, geography, and science; "Destination: Time Trip USA," which allows students to create an interactive electronic book while exploring a fictional town; and "SkyTrip America," with which students fly across America, reviewing maps, time lines,…

Reviews two CD-ROMS and one computer game: "Explore Yellowstone," science activities on CD to earn badges toward becoming a ranger; "Oval Office: Challenge of the Presidency," in which students role play presidential responsibilities such as proposing budgets; and "Strategy Games of the World," in which students match their skills against game…