Describes the content, pedagogy, organization, technical design, and evaluation of "The Five Points: A Multimedia Experience in Social History," a videodisc-based interactive program that was repurposed from a videotape that addressed group conflict and minority issues in an urban environment in the 1850s. (Contains 12 references.) (LRW)

Two issues in the use of multimedia for adult learning are addressed in this description of an Open University course: (1) integration of audiovisual and written materials and (2) merits of broadcast television versus videocassettes. (SK)

Discusses the significance of the proliferation of new media for academic historians and their teaching. Describes the researcher's personal experiences incorporating multimedia technology into courses. Addresses points to consider before adopting multimedia as an individual or institution, including cost, standardization, and possible student…

Argues that multi-media does not, by itself, guarantee accelerated learning and enhanced motivation unless there is a clear pedagogical progression and learning strategy. Describes and analyzes didactic dimensions to be considered in designing a multi-media tool, based on the authors' experiences as software authors and language trainers. (DSK)

College students (n=164) who received multimedia instruction were compared with 231 controls. Higher levels of both existing self-efficacy about multimedia use and self-efficacy developed through training were significantly related to perceptions that multimedia instruction is more effective. (SK)

Describes how three teachers learned about using Hyperstudio (presentation software), constructed a Web page, and created an original film as part of a unit on Florida writers. Recommends three major strategies for learning a new technology: choose the literary works, then the technology; build on your strengths; and learn to talk to the…

Examines the impact of a two-year multimedia computer-based program of structured learning and assessment introduced into 15 primary schools in three London boroughs. Reports results of project evaluation that explored the actual effects of the programs during the time span of the project and examined the contexts in which they operated. Focuses…

A study investigated interaction patterns between 11 children with autism, 9 with intellectual disabilities, and 9 teachers working with a multimedia program to increase literacy skills. Children with autism showed increased enjoyment and willingness to seek help from their teachers. Children with low language ability showed increases in verbal…

Summarizes the process of implementation and short-term impact on knowledge and attitudes of an interactive multimedia software program on preventive alcohol education for young adults. Students using program report learning more about dose-response and ways to intervene with friends in peril. Concludes with consideration of the import of this…

Describes Video-Based Supplemental Instruction (VSI), developed at the University of Missouri (Kansas City), as an interactive processing and delivery system that helps high-risk students master rigorous course content. States that VSI shows improvements for students at many levels and that participants of VSI had significantly higher rates of As…

Discusses two studies that explored whether adding music and/or sounds to multimedia instructional messages would improve the quality of college students' retention and transfer. Groups receiving both music and sounds performed worse than groups with neither. Students receiving sound only performed worse than groups not receiving sound.…

Discussion of the education of students with autism focuses on the use of multimedia systems and reviews the current state of the field. Suggests that systems should be developed that directly address autism-specific impairments and considers autistic student education in the context of equality of access to education. (Author/LRW)

Describes new and newly important specialties in the training field: instructional designer, project management, and multimedia course developer. (SK)

Examines the nature of literacy in a technology-rich classroom. Notes that four literacy patterns emerged: the public, the semiotic, the transitory and the publishing nature of literacy. Focuses on what characteristics define literacy in a technology-rich classroom. Builds on other studies of literacy technology and provides an overarching…

A study compared 48 cardiac patients who used an interactive multimedia computer-assisted patient education program and 48 taught by tutorial. The computer-assisted instructional method resulted in significantly better knowledge about exercise and self-management of chronic diseases. (Contains 29 references.) (JOW)