Workshop articles address the importance of room arrangement in early childhood settings: "Creating Environments that Intrigue and Delight Children and Adults" (Wendy Shepherd and Jennifer Eaton); "3 Keys to Flexible Room Arrangement" (Elizabeth Prescott); "Mood: The Spirit of Place" (Anita Rui Olds); and…

Describes the development of a Web site at Union College's (NY) Schaffer Library that was designed to provide access to library and Internet resources. Home page design as well as site design is discussed, features of the site are explained, and future expectations are considered, including the role of the library. (LRW)

Scenario refers to specific courses of action/events occurring within computer simulations and attempting to recreate lifelike situations. This article identifies critical features and their elements in designing effective scenarios in computer-based instructional simulations: (1) sequence; (2) operating procedures; (3) characteristics of…

Investigates new design options for extended schema versioning support for multitemporal relational databases. Discusses the improved functionalities they may provide. Outlines options and basic motivations for the new design solutions, as well as techniques for the management of proposed schema versioning solutions, includes algorithms and…

Presents basic design tenets for electronic library guides and the concerns these guides present for internal policymaking. The goal is to help library staffs produce electronic guides that will be effectively utilized by a variety of patrons without creating an added burden for the library. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the impact that new technologies are already having on programs and facilities, as well as predictions for the future. Discusses selected educational and facility technologies and the ways in which buildings and different kinds of classrooms can be made user-friendly. (Seven references) (LMI)

This article explores how tactile experience books can be used to ensure that young children with visual impairments learn to read. It discusses making tactile experience books by collecting artifacts and gluing them to cardboard pages, and the benefits of tactile books. Descriptions of two tactile books are provided. (Contains references.) (CR)

Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) is being used in schools and communities to improve the management of human space. Outlines CPTED concepts and strategies to implement crime reduction through environmental design of school grounds, parking lots, locker rooms, corridors, restrooms, and classrooms. (MLF)

The convergence of technical communication devices and services is transforming the learning, administrative, and facility control functions in schools. A communication system's study procedure uses a multidimensional matrix to assist planners in analyzing communication's infrastructure needs and configuration. (MLF)

Describes attributes of educational facilities that (1) influence occupants' performance (physical factors, task-related factors, user-friendliness, organizational qualities); (2) convey subtle messages (design statements, accessibility, spatial factors, aesthetics); and (3) influence programs and their delivery (technology, learning-style…

Defines the functions of windows that are used as visual display techniques in computer software systems, reviews research on the effectiveness of window environments, discusses knowledge structures, and presents principles for designing windowed environments based on research findings and individual differences and screen design research. (10…

In 1990, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed, and schools must now comply with requirements to remove any physical barriers inhibiting public access to educational facilities. Includes what the "disabled" category covers; other groups and programs that should be accessed for help in implementing ADA goals; and a four-step…

Summarizes a Delphi study that identified high school students' most significant difficulties in using online and CD-ROM databases, suggested design elements and curricular and instructional strategies to make these tools more useful, and determined the most significant policy issues related to the use of electronic information resources in…

Discussion of the use of the Internet and World Wide Web for interactive distance education courses focuses on the importance of providing iterative usability evaluation of online courses and strategies to ensure effective online course presentation. Design heuristics are suggested, including feedback, help and documentation, and controls for…

Addresses research results and controversies concerning the ergonomic design of computer work stations ranging from the traditional concerns with anthropometric fashions, work posture, and visual performance to the recent considerations about human information processing capacities and awareness of problem-solving strategies. (eight references)…