Describes a project that addressed the problem of courseware reusability by developing a database structure suitable for organizing multimedia learning material in a given content domain. A prototype system that allows browsing a DBLM (Data Base of Learning Material) on earth science is described, and future plans are discussed. (five references)…

Discussion of multimedia technology focuses on a study of middle school students that explored ways in which students used a multimedia resource to complete a research task in art and compared results with use of a print-based resource. Topics addressed include information seeking activities and value-added characteristics. (Contains 19…

Offers several definitions of multimedia, identifies a sample of the most popular multimedia technologies, and provides a discussion of their content. Summaries of software and a few brief case studies of successful elementary and secondary implementations are presented. Addresses of publishers of products mentioned in the article are appended.…

This paper reviews research indicating that children use images to improve comprehension and production of text; argues that images and sounds can effectively bring children's cultures into the classroom; and studies how eight elementary children used a multimedia composing environment, focusing on the nature of their preferred symbol systems and…

Describes an interactive multimedia Business Practices Course, developed to help reengineer point-of-need training for professional development, in which the learner conducts a business review of a company's current operations and makes recommendations to improve productivity and increase customer satisfaction. (six references) (LRW)

Discusses various aspects of multimedia instruction, including differences in goals from those of computer-assisted instruction; guidelines for the successful use of interactive multimedia instruction; the use of multimedia lessons in an introductory chemistry course; applications of multimedia instruction for indexing, hypermedia, simulations,…

Describes two new multimedia products developed by IBM that are interdisciplinary, multicultural, and nongraded (i.e., suitable for elementary grades through college): (1) Columbus: Encounter, Discovery and Beyond; and (2) Illuminated Books and Manuscripts, which explores interrelationships between five literary works and other subject areas. The…

Educators must understand the new educational technologies, select the best ones for classroom use, and find innovative and equitable ways to pay for them. The heart of education's technological transformation is the computer; fiber networks, television optical disks, multimedia, satellites, electronic mail, and virtual reality are also important…

Proposes a theoretical framework for including higher order thinking and problem solving in vocational education. Reviews recent theories of advanced learning, addressing the brain's role in constructing meaning, contextualized learning, and flexible cognition theory. Considers the applicability of hypertext and multimedia for learning complex…

Maintains that traditional social studies education materials such as textbooks and maps are ineffective when compared with the tools of information technology. Describes the equipment and software necessary to set up online technology for communications and database searching. Includes descriptions of several classroom projects using information…

Describes the computer-based multimedia Instructional Framework system which helps teachers expand and refine their instructional strategies. The system brings research and instructional resources directly to teachers via a database of information and resources related to effective instruction, videodisc illustrations of the strategies, and an…

Reviews the literature on the cost effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction in libraries and describes a case study of the Interactive Media Center at the State University of New York at Albany that shows continuously increasing use. Useful applications of interactive multimedia are described, and suggestions for further research are…

Describes how the use of whole media can cut across the curriculum, age, and cultural differences and provide students with unique opportunities to give meaning to their thoughts and ideas. (MG)

Presents a vision of higher education for the future that focuses on the role of technology. Topics discussed include the role of libraries; the information society; advances in communications; interactive media; standards for the computer and telecommunications industries; intellectual property rights; and the availability of educational…

Reviews of Compton's Multimedia Encyclopedia, New Grolier's Electronic Encyclopedia, and World Book's Information Finder are based on the 1990 editions. It is noted that all three publishers have announced plans to release annual revisions to their discs. The description of each of the products includes critiques of the search program, the…