Describes "KanjiCard," an interactive self-tutorial program for beginning students of Japanese to learn Kanji, Chinese characters used in the Japanese language. The Macintosh-developed approach uses "HyperCard" technology, computer-assisted animation, and voice digitizing to achieve enhanced graphic presentation. (Author/CB)

Examines The Internet Adapter (TIA), an Internet protocol that allows computers to be directly on the Internet and access graphics over standard telephone lines using high-speed modems. Compares TIA's system requirements, performance, and costs to other Internet connections. Sidebars describe connections other than TIA and how to find information…

Discusses desktop video, including its use as an educational tool; interactivity; teleconferencing; equipment requirements; the role of the TBC (time-based corrector) which adjusts incoming video signals and retimes them; creating graphics; transmitting live video over the Internet; Edit Decision List software; hardware requirements; and digital…

Discusses the underutilization of computerized systems in human services practitioners' work and presents the Graphical Case Record, developed at a child development center in Israel, as a computerized interface congruent with practitioner work style, supportive of professional treatment standards, and easy to use. (Author/LRW)

Argues that graphic images and technologies can be of substantial help to social work practitioners for assessment and intervention with children and families. Suggests a range of graphic tools and techniques, including profiles, ecomaps, sequential ecomaps, contingency diagrams, concurrent graphing, and computerized Visual EcoScan. (DR)

In this point/counterpoint feature, S. Melrose contends that complex graphical user interfaces (GUIs) threaten the independence and equal employment of individuals with blindness. D. Wakefield then points out that access to the Windows software program for blind computer users is extremely unpredictable, and J. Gill describes a major European…

Lists 27 suggestions for making cost-effective decisions when buying personal computers. Topics covered include physical comfort; modem speed; color graphics; institutional discounts; direct-order firms; brand names; replacing versus upgrading; expanding hard disk capacity; printers; software; wants versus needs; and RLIN (Research Libraries…

Investigated elementary school students' responses to two user-computer interfaces while the students solved basic arithmetic problems. Interfaces involved users' direct manipulation of images or interpretation of symbols. Data indicated that students were more comfortable and solved problems more quickly when manipulating images than when…

Reviews the development of authoring systems from those present in mainframe computers to the newest versions in desktop training systems. Advances in microcomputers and the corresponding authoring systems are described, programing languages are discussed, and computer-based instructional development that includes graphical user interfaces and…

Describes types of software including system software, application software, spreadsheets, accounting software, graphics packages, desktop publishing software, database, desktop and personal information management software, project and records management software, groupware, and shareware. (JOW)

Discusses children's ability to distinguish fantasy from reality in video games and suggests that there is potential for creative innovative software and graphics. Virtual reality is described and compared to books, and learning about all new electronic genres in addition to the best existing ones is advocated. (EAM)

Describes the evolution of scientific visualization in technical and engineering graphics. Outlines a scientific-technical visualization curriculum illustrated with applications. Discusses the role of technology education in the new curriculum. (SK)

Discusses online help systems in application software design and describes two experiments in which adult computer novices learned to use experimental graphics software by task-based exploration. Topics include operative help; function-oriented help; effects on learning performance; schemata; mental models; and implications for the design of…

Advises educators on judging the quality of maps contained in CD-ROM encyclopedias, atlases, and almanacs. Discussion focuses on spotting inaccuracies and assessing size, color, and fonts. Other considerations include availability of spoken word accompaniment and the ability to manipulate and print geographic images. A table compares strengths and…

In an era where students design web sites and integrate video, graphics, and animation into their presentations, art is becoming the new literacy. Art education promotes self-expression, cognitive and attitudinal improvement, multicultural awareness, and personal growth. Teachers should re-name art "business communication" and get…