Presents three trends in education separately: distance learning, ITS systems, and media-oriented learning. Benefits of their integration are considered along with the possible pitfalls and a short systematic approach on how to avoid them. In conclusion, some open questions in the field are discussed. (AEF)

Describes the formative evaluation of computer-based multimedia programs on CD-ROM that were developed in South Carolina to encourage middle school students to explore various environmental careers. Three main areas of evaluation are discussed: (1) user evaluation; (2) functional evaluation; and (3) content evaluation. The role of students and…

Discusses the use of ICT (Information and Communications Technology) in the study of history. Topics include timelines; computer-based historical simulations; databases; accessible multimedia; hypermedia; CD-ROMs; and use of the World Wide Web, both for teaching and learning and for sharing findings from historical investigations with historians…

Discusses the need for digital librarians who will manage and organize digital libraries. Topics include digital information systems; the information superhighway; navigation, browsing, and filtering; multimedia searching and indexing; data mining; information access and retrieval; competencies and skills for a digital librarian; and professional…

The SPECIAL system is a computer application that allows learners to control the speed of video playback. Learners viewed an educational video and used a modified version of the SPECIAL system to search for particular items during playback. Results showed neither question type nor video type had a significant effect. Concludes that multimedia…

Presents an application of the Cognitive Flexibility Theory (CFT) approach to creating hypertext for training undergraduate students through the interactive instructional program Auntie-EMM (Electronic Mail Mentor) in the use of e-mail embedding instruction within a specific context--the Wizard of Oz story. Demonstrates the effectiveness of the…

The purpose of this study was to develop a videodisc-based computer-aided multimedia-anchored instruction for Chinese students and to examine its effects on student attitudes toward mathematics and anchored instruction. Participants were 74 fifth graders. Results indicated that anchored instruction improved students' attitudes toward mathematics…

Discusses the use of computers in undergraduate mathematics. Highlights include external software, including spreadsheets and theorem provers; computer generated assessment; multimedia software; computer programming languages; geometric visualization tools; computer algebra systems; and examples from the United States, the United Kingdom, and…

Discussion of a core curriculum in Hungary focuses on the role of information technology in curriculum development in elementary education. Topics include personal computers; networks; multimedia; the Internet; tasks and goals for various subject areas; content elements; and didactic considerations. (LRW)

Reports several dilemmas that a team of university- and industry-based designers encountered as they collaborated on the design and development of a multimedia software program for teaching academic writing to intermediate English as a second or foreign language learners. Discusses cultural sensitivity and program engagement. (Author/LRW)

Addresses the many hidden costs related to the purchase of an authoring program as well as the decision to bring multimedia development in-house. Examines the following concerns: programming skills needed for authoring; the learning curve cost; software and hardware costs associated with multimedia development; and media development cost. (AEF)

Describes an effective model for a collaborative approach to designing integrated multimedia materials for language courses. The University of Winnipeg is successfully using the model to create a first-year French course. The model includes collaboration between departments, colleagues, and instructors with their students to design a…

Describes the development of a multimedia Web-based assessment system for computer literacy at Hong Kong Baptist University. Presents findings of a study that investigated students' behavior, performance, and perception in the use of this assessment system and discusses future plans which include improving the user interface. (Author/LRW)

Presents a study on the implementation of a constructivist approach to using multimedia technology in two advanced language arts classrooms in a public middle school. Because the principal content consisted of written material, the authors examined pre- to posttest improvement in writing ability as measured by trained raters of essays.…

An analysis of an introductory multimedia production course for preservice instructional design professionals was conducted at a large Midwestern university to determine if and how students' attitudes toward instructional media production was affected as a result of taking the course. Data was collected from the students and instructors in the…