Discusses the time and expense required to create interactive multimedia courses, and describes the Synergy project that combines a performance support system with authoring systems to accelerate the design and development process. Examples of screen displays are included. (Author/LRW)

Describes a theoretical model of stages in the comprehension of a machine from diagrams and accompanying text, and considers the implications of this model for designing hypermedia manuals that explain how machines work. Reports on three experiments with undergraduates that evaluated hypermedia and multimedia manuals based on this model.…

Reports from a survey of geographers that canvassed experiences using audio-visual resources to support teaching. Suggests that geographical learning has embraced audio-visual resources and that they are employed effectively. Concludes that integration of audio-visual resources into mainstream curriculum is essential to ensure effective and…

Discusses proper planning and project management techniques. Suggests tips for selecting a first project and instructional design based on constructivism, and introducing computer-based training into the curriculum. (Author/CCM)

One method for maintaining quality in multimedia instructional material is peer review by an advisory group. The criteria they use assess the application of principles of good practice. (SK)

Discusses how language teachers or departments could evaluate computer-assisted language-learning (CALL) software on a pedagogical basis, emphasizing that classroom teachers already possess much of the knowledge needed to do this. The paper illustrates good practice by matching a learning and teaching approach as currently practiced within British…

Interviews were conducted with 263 licensed users of training software, 68 of whom had used computer-based training (CBT), instructor-led training, and video tutorials. Videos were deemed the least useful. Instructor-led training had the most feedback and media richness, but CBT was an effective low-cost alternative. (SK)

Presents a second discography (of compact disks only) which lists American literature (primarily poetry) set to music. Notes two publications that may be of use to those well-versed in literature but less knowledgeable about music. (SR)

Provides an overview of a Vygotskian perspective for learning from hypermedia. Utilizes a Microsoft Dinosaurs teaching-learning episode to pose questions concerning the use of hypermedia for learning of mathematics and science. (Author/MKR)

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…

Teachers implementing a local history project in Belmont, California, had help from a federally funded technology innovation challenge grant: the Challenge 2000 Multimedia Project. Sponsored by a Silicon Valley school-business partnership, the initiative illustrates how technology can transform classroom learning while supporting instructional…

Presents the instructional design aspects of a multimedia course delivered online via the Internet in a distance learning program at the Universiti Sains Malaysia. Reports results of a preliminary study that showed student perceptions toward online distance education focused on accessibility and presentation rather than pedagogical techniques and…

Two experiments explored the integration of animated agents into multimedia environments in the context of R. E. Mayer's (2001) cognitive theory of multimedia learning. The spoken-narration-only condition outperformed other conditions, with no differences between printed text and printed text with spoken narration. (Author)

Describes a qualitative study of preservice mathematics teachers' use of higher-order thinking as they used an interactive multimedia program based on a situated learning framework. Analyzes types of talk used by the students as they worked with the program and classifies it as social, procedural, and lower-order and higher-order thinking.…

Investigates the relationship of cognitive and demographic variables to learning outcomes from a multimedia Goal-Based Scenario (GBS) lesson on DNA. Focuses on gender, ethnicity, prior science coursework in college and high school, final score in current chemistry course as demographic variables and logical thinking ability, spatial ability, and…