This book is about a newly emerging area of research in instructional technology, Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning or CSCL. The authors of these chapters talk a great deal about the theory underlying their work. Chapters include: (1) "Paradigm Shifts and Instructional Technology: An Introduction" (Timothy Koschmann); (2)…

Using an approach to classroom research that D. Newman (1990) has termed a formative experiment, a study investigated the effects of engaging elementary school students in creating computer-based multimedia reviews of books they read independently. Formative experiments are designed to investigate how an instructional intervention can be…

The most common use of computers in distance education is in the preparation of a visual image that is somehow transmitted to students. This paper addresses some design considerations for computer-produced visual displays that are intended for either local or distant audiences. Advice is offered on all three basic components of information…

The interactive multimedia application described here attempts to provide learners and teachers with a common frame of reference for communicating about visual media. The system is based on a list of concepts related to composition, and illustrates those concepts with photographs, paintings, graphic designs, and motion picture scenes. The ability…

This article discusses psychophysical aspects of color perception and critically examines the advice on color use in screen design found in non-empirical literature. There are four main characteristics of color: hue, brightness, saturation, and contrast. In multimedia screen design, color can be used to link logically-related data; differentiate…

Acadia University (Nova Scotia) has completed year two of the Acadia Advantage initiative, which involved 1,500 students and 170 faculty using IBM notebook computers in the curriculum. By year 2000, all 4,000 students at Acadia University will have notebook computers and will be taking part in technology-enhanced courses. To assist faculty, the…

In recent years, with the infusion of the multimedia technology into the education arena, traditional educational materials can be translated into interactive electronic form through the use of multimedia authoring tools. This has allowed teachers to design and incorporate multimedia elements and choreograph them in an orderly sequence to convey…

This paper will discuss factors that influence operational decision-making during curriculum and course development and delivery, how these factors integrate, findings in the literature and how they apply to the practical context. Finally, we provide a framework to support decision-making processes involved in the online instructional practice…

This paper justifies the presentation of a Ph.D. thesis about computer-assisted Ndjebbana on a digital video disc (DVD). Ndjebbana is a language spoken by 200 Kunibidji, the indigenous landowners of Maningrida on the north coast of Arnhem Land, Australia. Simple digital talking books about the community were created in Ndjebbana and then presented…

Educational design encompasses many aspects of educational software development but needs to be extended to Project Design (PD) by inclusion of a strategy for dissemination. This crucial aspect of PD should be considered from the start and usually involves commercialization. Models for commercialization are diverse, and the choice can have…

This paper describes the Environmental Challenges Project which will culminate in the production of a CD-ROM for use in environmental education in secondary schools. Disk contents include case studies of environmental problems and programs to facilitate learners' discussion of the issues raised. The constructivist pedagogy that informs the project…

This paper describes the state of the "WWW & Over" project to design techniques for the remote control of hypermedia teaching materials. It reviews the main features of the new version of the prototype for distance teaching, where teacher and students interact at a distance in real time on teaching materials created by the teacher. Also described…

Recent studies have emphasized the significant implications of multimedia for the learning process. Even those researchers who take a less enthusiastic stand do not hesitate to assent that when blended with suitable pedagogical techniques and a proper design, the combined use of multiple media for the viewing and study of educational material can…

A usable instructional system is defined as a system that enables learners to accomplish learning goals or tasks in an effective and efficient way. This paper investigates the usability of the Virtual Hospital Round (VHR) prototype, and explores medical students' and professionals' attitudes toward the VHR system. Results of the evaluation of the…

This paper examines the implementation of 3D simulation through the development of the Avenor Virtual Trainer and how situated learning and fidelity of model representation become the basis for more effective Interactive Multimedia Training Situations. The discussion will focus of some principles concerned with situated training, simulation,…