Examines decisions schools are faced with in terms of electronic reference materials selection. Discusses CD-ROM versus online technology; choosing the "suite" of software; blending equipment creatively; and costs. A chart highlighting prices, scope/coverage, and strengths for various vendors' databases is included. (AEF)

Discusses computer failures or destruction, explores hardware available to help save the intellectual content, and reviews backup strategies. Highlights include floppy disks; Zip drives; CD drives; DVD recorders; additional hard drives; Web storage options; testing backup systems for reliability; and commercial companies that offer restoring…

Describes electronic portfolios and explains their use to relate student work to educational standards, demonstrate wider dimensions of learning, and interconnections with hyperlinks. Other topics include selecting an electronic portfolio program, including lists of vendors; components of electronic portfolios; portfolio management; and hardware…

Describes projects in Lawrenceville, New Jersey schools that incorporate multimedia networks into the curriculum. Highlights include digital video projects with English as Second Language students; strategic planning; use of new technology by other groups, including the school board; broadband issues; new vendor relationships; and intellectual…

Discusses issues that students from a high school and an elementary/middle school identified as important for reviewing multimedia software programs, and includes suggestions for evaluation criteria: entertainment/educational value; skill development; measurement; speed/time; variety; and user interface. Also describes developers' use of student…