Modern means that can be used in the framework of teaching substantially extend the possibilities of schoolmasters, but they also complicate the pedagogical process. Can we make really effective use of them? Have we, at their application, really greater pedagogical effect? How do we include the possibilities of audiovisual techniques into the…

This paper brings together four short discussions that focus on how the construction and analysis of digital movies support theory-building, and whether that theory-building is equitable. Researches who have used digital media extensively over the last decade address how participants in studies using digital media become collaborators and…

This paper discusses the use of hypermedia as a mainstream instructional tool and what this use means for the success of all learners. Hypermedia research has not provided evidence of superiority to other instructional media. This research has, however, indicated that learner characteristics play a significant role in achievement in these new…

This paper discusses the following pedagogical questions and technological solutions that evolved as three multimedia case studies for preservice teachers were developed: (1) What tools can be garnered to encourage preservice teachers to look beyond superficial aspects of a classroom to observe the complexities of the teaching and learning…

Introduces a multiagent architecture based on the blackboard system that enables different processes that perform multimodal presentation planning to communicate with each other. Describes a constraint propagation mechanism that transfers plan constraints from one level of the presentation planning process to the next. Discusses the cooperation…

Explains NEEDS (National Engineering Education Delivery System), an infrastructure developed by the Synthesis Engineering Education Coalition to disseminate computer-based multimedia courseware over the Internet for distant independent education. Topics include supporting curricular change, an example of available material, and exploratory…

The Library and Information Service (LIS) is a reference source for the Legislative Yuan in Taiwan comprised of books, periodicals, newspapers, microforms, and CD-ROMs. This article provides an overview of the LIS creation, resources and services. Includes the Legislative Information System (LEGISIS), a network offering multimedia information,…

Three articles (1) present case studies that show how CD-ROM encyclopedias take ordinary lesson plans in core curriculum areas to exciting new spheres; (2) give an overview of available electronic encyclopedias; and (3) provide educators' views on how multimedia encyclopedias have affected the learning process. (AEF)

Reports on data obtained in Australia on practicing teachers' thinking as they interacted with a professional development interactive multimedia courseware package. Two types of thinking are discussed: (1) cognitive mediating processes related to content; and (2) evaluative thoughts about the instructional design of the courseware, from which a…

Discusses the relationship between cultural context and the instructional design of interactive multimedia and argues for multiple cultural, rather than multicultural, contextualization of instructional design. Topics include world views; values, ideologies, culture, class and gender; objectivism; constructivism; deracialization; learning theory;…

Discussion of interactive, multimedia instructional material development and the development of computer-based training focuses on experiences at UPS (United Parcel Service). Topics include opening screen design; log-on screens; main menus; and lesson design, including color, sound, graphics and video, icons, and directions and instruction…

Defines student-centered, open learning, and distance learning. Describes the benefits of interactive, multimedia-based open learning to the learners, lecturers, tutors, sponsors, and the educational or training institution. Lists the main features of this approach and provides details about the structured system design approach to interactive…

Provides an overview of the 1995 EUROCALL conference and gives short descriptions of some of the papers presented. (CK)

This article discusses the advantages of multimedia materials as reference tools. Multimedia reference CD-ROMs contain huge amounts of information, and they present it in a very attractive way that motivates students to learn. The article provides an annotated list of subject-specific CD-ROMs, including ordering information. (SM)

Examines how to design interactive multimedia learning environments to provide necessary support for developing higher level cognitive skills. Describes an approach of engaging learners as multimedia designers using project-based learning and investigated the effects on cognitive skill development in high school, middle school, and elementary…