The use of the laserdisc in the classroom is described. Major advantages of the laserdisc are durability and large information storage capacity. Connecting the laserdisc with a microcomputer allows quick access to and interaction with the information it contains. Five uses of the system are further discussed: archival, demonstration, illustration…

This current overview of optical disk technology describes the evolving marketplace for optical products, the use of libraries as test sites for prototype CD-ROM (compact disk read-only-memory) products, CD-ROM developments, new optical technologies, and advances in magnetics. A list of some compact disk manufacturers and a glossary of terms are…

Boards on the laser's edge of technology are adding videodisks to their instructional options, because of their versatility in giving teachers and students flexible access to visual material. (TE)

Examines factors which may affect the receptivity of librarians to the use of optical disk technologies, including hardware and software issues, the content of currently available databases, and the integration of optical technologies into existing library services. (CLB)

Oceanic art has long been recognized for its quality and its influence on Western art. This CD-ROM presents over 100 of the finest examples of art from the Pacific region in the form of museum photos, contemporary video segments, and music. The CD-ROM includes such artifacts as masks and carvings from Melanesia, canoes and storyboards from…

This pilot study was designed to explore how vicarious learning experiences and goal setting influence preservice teachers' self-efficacy for integrating technology into the classroom. Twenty undergraduate students who were enrolled in an introductory educational technology course at a large midwestern university participated and were assigned…

This 25-page "Action Guide" is accompanied by a compact disk that presents sound bites from contemporary rock musicians about their experiences with violence and rage. This interview material is followed by current popular hit songs by Lauryn Hill, Dave Matthews Band, Everclear, Backstreet Boys, Alanis Morissette, and Tori Amos. Many musicians…

Guidelines for "fair use" of CD-ROM copyrighted materials in multimedia instruction, created through a consortium of college and university media centers, set limits on the amount of a copyrighted work used in a multimedia project, and restrict the number of copies of disks or videos students and teachers can make, allowing use of such works in…

The NeXT computer is described. With the programing tools that NeXT provides to help create software, professors could create programs for instruction in a few hours or days. The computer is aimed at scholars in the humanities as well as scientists and engineers. (MLW)

Discusses technologies developed to create high density compact discs capable of containing a feature length movie. Topics covered include development of new standards for the next CD-ROM generation; new disc and playback technologies being developed by Philips, IBM, Nimbus, CD-ROM USA, and others; and disc speed. (KRN)

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)

Presents 19 papers from the Second Southern African Online Information Meeting. The articles are based on practical experience with or applications of information technology, including hypermedia and multimedia, CD-ROM, electronic publishing, network services and gateways, user interfaces, and online searching and software. Contains 83 references…

Offers three brief descriptions, from three high school English teachers, of unusual or alternative forms of assessment they use successfully in their classrooms: a system of tokens in an alternative school; a literary digest; and creating CD soundtracks for novels read in class. (SR)

Discusses DVD (digital video disc) technology and considers its future possibilities. Highlights include laserdiscs, DVDs in academic-library collections, public-library experiences with DVDs, and problems with changes in video formats and technological obsolescence. (LRW)

Describes a printmaking activity for use in tenth- to twelfth-grade art classes. Students use compact discs as printing plates, on which they depict a musical theme with drypoint etching. Discusses the process in detail. (CMK)