Examines the evolution of distance education and learning via the use of communication technology. Focuses on distance education as a way of preparing returning adult students to meet demands of the labor market, and reviews uses of the World Wide Web as a communication tool to create electronic classrooms and deliver instructional materials. (JMV)

Discusses situated learning and virtual reality, focusing on the pedagogical aspects of the technology and its importance in achieving a learning environment which challenges and supports effective learning. (AEF)

Discusses the effect of object-oriented programming on the evolution of authoring systems. Topics include the definition of an object; examples of object-oriented authoring interfaces; what object-orientation means to an instructional developer; how object orientation increases productivity and enhances interactivity; and the future of courseware…

The process for a successful multimedia conversion project is examined. Topics include initial conversion discussion and decisions; questions to consider in the planning phase; avoiding problems in the beginning; working the plan and planning the design; a list of prices; and evaluating the performance. (AEF)

Discusses the benefits of utilizing multimedia computer applications in community college education. Describes an English instructor's experiences with multimedia instruction, highlighting potential benefits and limitations of such programs. Indicates that multimedia coursework allows for greater flexibility in setting curricula and more…

Factors driving the shift from analog to digital video storage and retrieval are discussed, including improved compression techniques, reduced hardware costs, and increased network demands. Characteristics of digital video and various compression procedures are described. Applications and guidelines for use of digital video in higher education…

Presents steps taken in designing, justifying, and implementing an experimental study designed to investigate the effectiveness of distance education as a methodology for developing thinking skills. A discussion reviews major findings of the study by comparing student experiences from multimedia distance education and student experiences from…

Discussion of transactions in computer-based instruction for ill-structured and visual domains focuses on two transactions developed for meteorology training that provide the capability to interact with video and graphic images at a very detailed level. Potential applications for the transactions are suggested, and early evaluation reports are…

This interview with Dr. Toshi Doi, director of the Sony Corporation, covers his work at Sony, the multimedia industry, industry cooperation, Sony compact disc products and formats, multimedia standards and pricing, multimedia formats, and the future of the industry. A diagram of computer companies and corresponding multimedia platforms is…

Provides a critical analysis of theoretical foundations concerning interactive video instruction (IVI). Theories and related research regarding multimedia interactivity, visual features, motivation, and learner control in IVI are reviewed; and the theoretical models of Hansen (relating to skill acquisition) and Clark and Sugrue (relating to…

This discussion of educational applications of user interfaces covers the benefits of adopting database techniques in organizing multimedia materials; the evolution of user interface technology, including teletype interfaces, analogic overlay graphics, window interfaces, and adaptive systems; application design problems, including the…

Discusses instructional design methods used in intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) and describes the application of instructional systems design to the creation of an ITS called Piano Tutor, a multimedia workstation that is designed to provide first-year piano lessons. The ITS curriculum is analyzed, including critical lessons and skill groups.…

Describes the development of an American history book with interactive CD-ROM technology that includes text, pictures, graphs and charts, audio, and film. Topics discussed include the use of HyperCard software to link information; access to primary sources of information; greater student control over learning; and the concept of collaborative…

Although distance educators have embraced technologies that have significantly improved instruction, in part because of an interdisciplinary or team approach to instruction and use of mixed media, on-campus educators have largely ignored that technological potential. Institutional leaders are encouraged to create an environment that supports…

This article offers suggestions for use of videocassettes in special education classrooms in ways which enhance reading and writing skills. Stressed is actively involving students through such strategies as use of graphic organizers, notetaking, and questions. Sources of videocassettes are identified. (DB)