Describes issues involved when converting traditional classrooms into smart classrooms that include appropriate educational technology. Highlights include faculty training in advance; flexibility; design considerations; technical support; and an example based on experiences at Virginia Commonwealth University. (LRW)

Reviews evaluation standards that are used to assess the quality of projected graphical displays, and discusses their use in evaluating graphs created with computer graphing programs. Design standards for projected graphs are explained, and examples of three types of graphs are shown. (four references) (LRW)

Discusses a preliminary study of the effect of ballot interface design on voting behavior. Finds significant problems related to human factors and the organization of information on the ballot on mechanical and electronic voting machines. (RS)

Discusses the graphical user interface (GUI) online public access catalog (OPAC), a user interface that uses images to represent options. Topics include user interface design for information retrieval; designing effective bibliographic displays, including subject headings; two design principles; and what GUIs can bring to OPACs. (LRW)

Discussion of laboratory cabinets and desk systems looks at considerations of cost, flexibility, utility, serviceability, storage capacity, future availability of compatible components, and safety or other legal compliance issues. Four system types (standard floor-mounted, C-frame, end rigger-leg frame suspended, unistrut) are described, and…

Discusses the development of an Enriched Learning and Information Environment (ELIE). Highlights include technology-based and theory-based frameworks for defining ELIEs; a socio-technical definition; a conceptual prototype; a participatory design process, including iterative design through rapid prototyping; and design issues for technology…

Explains how to create job aids that employees will be motivated to use, based on a review of pertinent literature and interviews with professionals. Topics addressed include linking motivation with job aids; Keller's ARCS (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction) model of motivation; and design strategies for job aids based on Keller's…

Describes the development of "Europe in the Round," a CD-ROM that was designed to test the hypothesis that a combination of hypertext with mass storage would make a powerful learning tool. Screen design is discussed, including universal icons and visual effects, and field testing is described. (five references) (LRW)

Discusses design principles and procedures that can help librarians use desktop publishing systems to create more effective handouts for bibliographic instruction. Topics addressed include a history of book production; design decisions, including layout, typeface, and color; and suggested readings on designing printed materials. (four references)…

Describes the implementation of a computer projection system for medium to small classrooms at the University of Vermont. Requirements for the system are discussed, including ease of use, compatibility, software, and network capabilities; and selection decisions for the computer, the projection system, and the support equipment are explained.…

Explains aspects of the design and loading of high-ropes courses and other challenge-course equipment. Discusses the engineer's factor of safety, determined by industry standards or the level of risk considered acceptable; definitions of terms for material strength; and the forces involved in loads sustained by belay ropes and cables. (SV)

Home-built adventure-education courses exhibit refreshing creativity but almost always fall short of their potential due to inadequate construction techniques and materials. A ropes course inspector for the adventure education industry discusses the most common mistakes made in home-built ropes courses and how to prevent or fix them. (TD)

Explains that a corporate Web application is a corporate information system that uses World Wide Web technology to provide access to a variety of corporate information resources for internal and external users in geographically distributed locations. Top-down development is explained, and design requirements are discussed. (Author/LRW)

Planning and implementing a website requires the participation of most school or district departments. There are four phases: planning and information gathering (pertaining to audience, cost estimation, purpose, content, and scope); design and layout considerations; construction and implementation; and final integration (involving policy and legal…

Discusses how architects successfully added a new 10,000 square-foot building, complete with glass-fronted library and skylit art room, to two existing structures built at different times and with different floor heights. Photos and a floorplan are included. (GR)