Reviews the role of exploratory data analysis (EDA) for spatial data mining and presents a case study addressing environmental risk assessments in New York State to illustrate the feasibility and usability of augmenting seriation for spatial data analysis. Describes augmentation with multimedia tools to understand relationships among spatial,…

Explains the origin of the ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) commissioned papers that appear in this journal issue that assess the ERIC program. Discusses the need to unify the system by transforming the database into a knowledge base with a unified metadata framework that would include a variety of multimedia materials. (LRW)

In evaluating and selecting multimedia materials to be used in training programs, criteria to consider include content propriety, technology fit, instructional effectiveness, and administrative handiness. (JOW)

Discusses the advantages and uses of multimedia courseware and describes the step-by-step process for developing it. Includes tips for technology teachers who are new to this instructional method. (JOW)

Discussion of the development of educational software focuses on a project at the Dutch Open University to develop a pedagogical design specification method for educational software that is not bound to specific instructional design principles or learning theories. "SHOC-TOOL" is described as a supporting tool for use with interactive…

A study explored the influence of multimedia/hypermedia presentation on the attitudes, motivation, and participation of 23 juvenile offenders in an instructional setting. The presentations created positive attitudes, high motivation, and increased participation in the students. (Author/JOW)

A survey of 1071 adults examined how CD-ROM ownership and Internet capability were linked to computer utility. Found modest utility in home computers for entertainment, escape, habit, and to pass time; CD-ROM ownership linked to learning and escape utility; and higher levels of connectivity reflecting computer use for entertainment and passing…

Presents a comparative analysis of two pieces of computer-based interactive multimedia whose words are similar but visual structures different. Argues that the visual aspects of these texts are "idea" and "assertion," doing the work of "content" and "information." Suggests that educators need to expand or…

The New York Voices series emerged from Thirteen/WNET in the wake of the September 11, 2001 tragedy as a way to help New Yorkers regain positive outlooks and perspective by listening to fellow New Yorkers. The series concentrates on a wide range of figures--artists, politicians, sports figures, musicians, educators--and provides rich information…

Multimedia presents a number of challenges and opportunities which must be addressed if it is to be used effectively in an educational context. Engineering education can greatly benefit, if these challenges and opportunities are met. This paper describes a framework for the development of multimedia applications. It then uses this framework to…

The contexts in which language teaching and learning occurs have changed significantly in the last decade. The challenges and opportunities inherent in these shifting contexts necessitate substantive changes in the typical practice of many world language educators. However, the "explain, train, and maintain" approaches commonly used in…

The paper presents a theoretical framework addressing three aspects of embodied pedagogical agents: visual static appearance, pedagogical role, and communicative style. The framework is then applied to a user study where 90 school children (aged 12-15) in a dummy multimedia program were presented with either an instructor or a learning companion…

This article will discuss issues concerning the potential of videopapers, drawing on a research project investigating the use of videopapers as a tool for reflecting on practice and as an assignment in initial teacher education. Student teachers engaged in initial teacher education programmes often find it difficult to "see" what is…

Many who have been in physical education for years may remember a world where technology was non-existent. The only teaching tools available to physical educators were athletic equipment and a gymnasium. However, the world during the past two decades has changed rapidly. The growth and development of technology has vastly expanded the…

This pilot study documents the design and evaluation results of an innovative teaching approach with the use of ICT regarding the optics concepts of light reflection and diffusion, and vision in Greek primary school. First there was a survey of 140 students to ascertain their initial ideas regarding these concepts. On the basis of the results of…