Presents basic design tenets for electronic library guides and the concerns these guides present for internal policymaking. The goal is to help library staffs produce electronic guides that will be effectively utilized by a variety of patrons without creating an added burden for the library. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the impact that new technologies are already having on programs and facilities, as well as predictions for the future. Discusses selected educational and facility technologies and the ways in which buildings and different kinds of classrooms can be made user-friendly. (Seven references) (LMI)

This article explores how tactile experience books can be used to ensure that young children with visual impairments learn to read. It discusses making tactile experience books by collecting artifacts and gluing them to cardboard pages, and the benefits of tactile books. Descriptions of two tactile books are provided. (Contains references.) (CR)

Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) is being used in schools and communities to improve the management of human space. Outlines CPTED concepts and strategies to implement crime reduction through environmental design of school grounds, parking lots, locker rooms, corridors, restrooms, and classrooms. (MLF)

The convergence of technical communication devices and services is transforming the learning, administrative, and facility control functions in schools. A communication system's study procedure uses a multidimensional matrix to assist planners in analyzing communication's infrastructure needs and configuration. (MLF)

Describes attributes of educational facilities that (1) influence occupants' performance (physical factors, task-related factors, user-friendliness, organizational qualities); (2) convey subtle messages (design statements, accessibility, spatial factors, aesthetics); and (3) influence programs and their delivery (technology, learning-style…

Defines the functions of windows that are used as visual display techniques in computer software systems, reviews research on the effectiveness of window environments, discusses knowledge structures, and presents principles for designing windowed environments based on research findings and individual differences and screen design research. (10…

In 1990, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed, and schools must now comply with requirements to remove any physical barriers inhibiting public access to educational facilities. Includes what the "disabled" category covers; other groups and programs that should be accessed for help in implementing ADA goals; and a four-step…

Summarizes a Delphi study that identified high school students' most significant difficulties in using online and CD-ROM databases, suggested design elements and curricular and instructional strategies to make these tools more useful, and determined the most significant policy issues related to the use of electronic information resources in…

Discussion of the use of the Internet and World Wide Web for interactive distance education courses focuses on the importance of providing iterative usability evaluation of online courses and strategies to ensure effective online course presentation. Design heuristics are suggested, including feedback, help and documentation, and controls for…

Addresses research results and controversies concerning the ergonomic design of computer work stations ranging from the traditional concerns with anthropometric fashions, work posture, and visual performance to the recent considerations about human information processing capacities and awareness of problem-solving strategies. (eight references)…

Discusses the American with Disabilities Act, a civil rights act requiring that all businesses, including parks and recreation facilities, be accessible to people with disabilities. The article discusses discrimination, integration, funding concerns, attitudes, and staffing issues. Information sources are listed. (SM)

Discussion of the design of interactive environments focuses on three types of electronic book metaphors that use optical discs and can facilitate computer-based learning: (1) static picture books, (2) moving picture books, and (3) multimedia books. Guidelines for designing electronic books are presented, and future directions are discussed. (17…

The process of designing a child care center is described. This process includes the conceptual and schematic design, schematic pricing, design development, and construction documents. Overall design criteria, and interior program components, are discussed. (LB)

Explores strategies for creating online learning environments on the World Wide Web. Describes a framework that identifies elements needed in the design of online learning: course content, learning activities, and learning supports. Concludes that online courses are more successful when they are not designed as supplements to conventional teaching…