Technology available to schools includes a broad spectrum of voice, data and video equipment. Planners need to consider the following subsystems individually and collectively: (1) technology-based products; (2) communications and power distribution to support the equipment; and (3) ergonomics, lighting, acoustics, environmental controls, and…

Describes a project at SUNY (State University of New York) colleges that was designed to deliver wide area network access to CD-ROM-mounted databases to share library resources. Discusses the need for unsaturated telecommunications lines of sufficient bandwidth; CD-ROM applications software; and stable, proven network software. (LRW)

Identifies five design requirements for electronic encyclopedias, based on the content and structure of printed encyclopedias and the uses that people make of them. Three existing hypertext programs (Owl International's Guide, HyperCard, and HyperTIES) are compared in terms of their ability to satisfy these design requirements. (CLB)

Addresses fundamental issues central to the systematic design of schooling that incorporate changing technology. Schooling models of the past and present are discussed, a technology-based paradigm for the future is described, and it is suggested that empirical research be used as the basis for developing a new model. (six references) (LRW)

Adaptive aids which can help individuals with disabilities to get around more easily are described, including ramps, portable ramps, lifts, doors, and doorways. The use of professional assistance in selecting adaptive aids and use of the ABLEDATA database are noted. Appended is a list of companies which manufacture adaptive equipment. (JDD)

Presents a formal object-oriented specification model (OSS) for computer software system development that is supported by a tool that automatically generates a prototype from an object-oriented analysis model (OSA) instance, lets the user examine the prototype, and permits the user to refine the OSA model instance to generate a requirements…

This paper outlines housing modification issues for both the housing consumer with visual impairments and the builder/remodeler, with emphasis on single-family housing. Suggested modifications are listed for the exterior, entrance, elevator, doors, floors, lighting and the electrical system, windows, room layout and shape, kitchen, and stairs and…

Addresses concerns of both facilities planners and instructional designers in planning for the audio component of group presentations. Factors in the architectural design of enclosures for the reproduction of sound are described, including frequency, amplitude, and reverberation; and a case study for creating an acceptable enclosure is presented.…

Description of how an abstract element of information provision--information service and product design--was made concrete to a class of undergraduate students highlights barriers to their understanding and shows how a tutorial activity helped them to overcome some of these and gave their tutors a greater appreciation of the students' strengths…

Discusses telecommunications-supported cooperative learning environments for distance education. Topics addressed include computer-mediated communication; computer-supported cooperative work; distributed learning environments; frameworks for supporting telecooperation, including cognitive processes, social processes, and managerial processes; and…

Describes a set of evaluation tools that help elementary, middle, and high school students evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of Web sites and may also be used to guide the design of new Web sites. Discusses motivation and includes ideas for incorporating Web evaluation into information skills instruction. (LRW)

Describes the methods and results of a user-centered field study that investigated the design requirements for a Web-based research library, a digital library representing a collection of large domain-specific documents that can be accessed remotely to support scholarly research. Results provide insight into Web-based inquiry and requirements for…

Describes an investigation of students' problem-solving strategies as seventh-grade students (n=10) attempted to design a solution to a technological problem. Concludes that novice designers use highly iterative rather than linear strategies, develop their ideas using three-dimensional materials rather than two-dimensional sketches, and develop…

Suggests that known sources of name variation and error in information systems must be addressed through improved retrieval techniques. Argues that a culture of data stewardship in which fewer errors are introduced in the handling of personal names can be achieved through greater awareness of problems specific to handling of names, and the design…

Innovative teaching methods and organisational change make new demands on our future learning environments. The Brink and the Laak Clusters are two related examples of a new type of building for a community in the Netherlands. The Firebird School ("Vuurvogel"), a primary school for students from ages 4 to 12, is currently housed in the…