Although automating the library card catalog is a significant technological improvement, other approaches can also make accessing information easier for students. Currently there are more than 100 CD-ROM (compact disk) databases that replace traditional paper products such as encyclopedias, almanacs, and newspaper and magazine indexes. Logistical…

Urges schools to adopt laser videodiscs for their cost, durability, and usability advantages over film, a mechanical, outdated medium. Recommends specific videodisc titles for school libraries and classroom use. Describes computer-assisted videodisc instruction applications (including image processing) and dispels some common misconceptions about…

A new technological phenomenon known as "hypermedia" or "interactive multimedia" allows the learner to be in control and to access a variety of media with a computer. Advances in information storage technology have placed libraries of documents, sounds, and video and graphic images on laser discs. (MLF)

Describes four multimedia projects in Los Angeles, Tucson, and Flemington, New Jersey, schools and provides a glossary of technical terms. Interactive programs are benefiting students in middle-school math and science, high school history, and an elementary lifelong learning program. The multimedia approach is most successful at helping students…

This CD-ROM presents a collection of over 200 rationales for over 170 works (mainly novels but a few films) for use by teachers combating censorship. Some rationales on the disc are from published sources; others are student papers. Although the materials in the collection range from kindergarten through grade 12, the emphasis is on the middle…

Lists 19 programs that approximately 1,000 educators find most useful and educationally valuable, plus a few new products. Telephone numbers are included to call for more information. (MLF)

This book, accompanied by a musical CD-ROM, provides information on how to enhance learning through music at any age. Sections include: (1) "Let Music Prime Your Brain For Learning," which teaches how important it is to prime the brain for learning through music; (2) "Study Smart," which demonstrates highly effective studying techniques devised by…

Reviews the history of art as an element of music-recording packaging. Describes a project in which students design a jacket for either cassette or CD using a combination of computerized and traditional rendering techniques. Reports that students have been inspired to look into careers in graphic design. (DSK)

The role of politics in education is undeniable. It appears as though the influence of governing agents, from the White House to the local school board, is growing. During this time of increased calls for accountability and reform, a growing list of educational mandates is being handed to local education entities--increased use of testing,…

Describes the use of microcomputers and hypermedia with videodisks and laser discs to teach art in three Central New York schools. These projects enabled students to access museum-based disks; created barcodes for accessing disk images; provided inservice teacher education in hypermedia use; and resulted in an instantly searchable database of…

Discusses the technologies of compact discs and laser discs. Describes how they can help teachers in the music classroom. Suggests that the new music computer technology enables students to examine music by listening to it, rather than using notation or other abstraction of the sounds. Suggests ideas for using multimedia for teaching music. (DK)

This report describes the Palenque Project, a highly interactive, multimedia, optical disc research prototype which was developed for home use and tested by observing 25 children in the 9 to 14 year age range and their families and 8 12-year-olds in pairs. It is noted that the project was intended to create a rich, multimedia database environment…

This publication was undertaken by the National Center for Education Statistics in partnership with two private entities, the American Education Finance Association (AEFA), which contracted for the information collection, and the National Education Association (NEA), which funded the effort. Education finance researchers from the University of…

Strips away advertising hyperbole to explain multimedia CD-ROM technology and its place in today's classrooms. Only the newest computers are adequate for multimedia CD-ROM; only 10% of all computers in schools have CD-ROM drives attached. CD-ROM drives' performance varies, installation hassles abound, and the "edutainment" market directs…

Multimedia software stimulates learning paths by offering information through pictures, written text, sound, animation, and video. Multimedia computing is a powerful tool for educators to use to develop lessons and materials. Cites schools where learning is treated as a dynamic, multisensory experience. (MLF)