Describes the ways available multimedia and videodisc technologies can be integrated into the classroom to support instruction for students with learning disabilities. Three basic modes for instructional use of videodisc players are discussed: the watch-it mode, watch-relevant-screens mode, and the computer-assisted instruction mode. An annotated…

Describes computer-animated sequences and interactive multimedia instructional programs for use in introductory chemistry which allow students to explore electrochemical cells. The workbench section enables students to manipulate the experimental apparatus, chemicals, and instruments in order to design and build an experiment. The interactive…

Discussion of computer-based simulations focuses on the development of a coaching agent as an alternative to traditional feedback for a multimedia simulation that will help change training from traditional instructor-led courses to learn-by-doing simulations for point-of-need training. The limitations of traditional feedback are examined. (LRW)

College students learned about botany through an agent-based multimedia game. Students received either spoken or identical on-screen text explanations. Results reveal that students scored higher on retention, transfer, and program ratings in narration conditions than in text conditions. The media--desktop displays or headmounted displays--did not…

Investigates how effectively multimedia learning environments can assist second language (L2) students in the process of listening comprehension. Looks specifically at how written and pictorial annotations can aid learners in the acquisition of new vocabulary and in comprehension when they listen to an aural L2 passage. (Author/VWL)

Describes a two phase experiment that was conducted at the university of Ottawa using audiocassettes and multimedia while teaching French, specifically French phonetics, intonation, and pronunciation, to a group of low-intermediate level language students. Looks at whether receptive and productive skills are influenced by the explicit teaching of…

Reviews four CD-ROM encyclopedias: Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia, 1996 Edition; Microsoft Encarta 96 Encyclopedia; the 1996 Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia; and World Book Multimedia Encyclopedia 1996. Focuses on multimedia features, their quantity, quality, accessibility, and playability. Discusses each product's novel features and important…

Describes a study of high school students that investigated the use of MediaText, multimedia composition software, for student-developed multimedia documents. Research and theory of multimedia in education is reviewed, including student composition; a constructionist model is considered; and assignments in several curriculum areas are examined.…

Discusses interactive multimedia journal (IMMJ) articles; examines limitations and problems of the format; provides recommendations for how to use IMMJ most effectively; and recommends ways of developing initial tests of its impact on audiences. (AEF)

Describes the use of multimedia applications using Apple's QuickTime(TM) protocol to easily generate video clips or segments with sound and color and incorporate these into a computer-based document that can be used as lecture materials, a course textbook, or a lab manual. (LZ)

Provides a brief explanation of Web browsers and their use, as well as technical information for those considering access to the WWW (World Wide Web). Curriculum resources and addresses to useful Web sites are included. Sidebars show sample searches using Yahoo and Lycos search engines, and a list of recommended Web resources. (JKP)

Summarizes three phases of a research project on the educational benefits of multimedia, especially the role of animation or still imagery in enhancing text. Results indicate that animation did not help sixth graders to improve their recall, but it may be beneficial for their comprehension. (JKP)

Describes five steps to help students create multimedia presentations: (1) locate, access, and analyze information; (2) design the presentation using hypermedia software; (3) organize the information and compose the text; (4) select and integrate multimedia; and (5) revise and practice. (LRW)

Summarizes the results of literature on color use in multimedia screen design for instructional purposes. Discusses problems and the lack of guidance for instructional designers. Suggests renewed research and the development of a connoisseurial approach to screen design, which values the contributions of both research and aesthetic experience.…

Examines how book publishers are staffing for multimedia developments. Discussion includes competition from software developers, costs, partnerships, professional organizations as the most innovative electronic publishers, cultural problems, human resource polices, hiring, conflict between print and technology staff, marketing, outside…