Reports on themes emphasized at the April 1994 Computer Game Developers Conference held in Santa Clara (California), including the exploding CD-ROM marketplace and the potential and challenge of using CD-ROM's multimedia capacity to build cinema-quality stories and characters into computer games. Strategies for introducing more complex plots are…

Examines methods of lecturing in the past, including blackboards, whiteboards, flip charts, and overhead transparencies; discusses the increasing use of computer technology and specifications for future systems; and describes possible scenarios for future lecturing technologies, including the generation of computer-assisted instructional materials…

Based on experiences with use of microcomputers in a business computer programing curriculum at a community college, this article suggests guidelines for designing a computer laboratory that will meet the needs of disabled students. Specific hardware and software aids are recommended, and the importance of faculty attitude is discussed. (three…

Describes factors to be considered in the design of ergonomically correct workstations for online searchers. Topics discussed include visual factors, including lighting; acoustical factors; radiation and visual display terminals (VDTs); screen image characteristics; static electricity; hardware and equipment; workstation configuration; chairs;…

Argues that the shared use of artifacts is supported by latent border resources that lie beyond the canonical artifact. Designers must understand the role border resources play and work more directly to help users develop them. This will require designers to change their understanding of artifacts and users. (Contains 69 references.) (KRN)

Discusses differences between conventional books and electronic books, examines human-computer interface design issues, presents a development model for a hypermedia electronic book system, and describes the development of an electronic ABC book on CD-ROM for early learners. Future directions are also discussed. (24 references) (LRW)

Discusses local database development and training experiences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign libraries. Topics discussed include when to automate; available resources; microcomputers versus mainframes or minicomputers; software; database design factors; test versions; and training. Examples of sample records, help screens,…

Presents guidelines for providing suitable play and learning spaces for children from birth to 3 years old. Argues that toddlers have developmental needs different from those of older preschoolers, and that environments must be designed appropriately. Recommends that room arrangements for toddlers provide simplicity, options for seclusion and…

Discusses the design of multimedia for international audiences and provides recommendations for instructional-design principles for global audiences. Highlights include knowing the target audience, user testing, language versions, common international symbols, cultural differences, values and customs, fonts, screen size and display, and copyright…

Describes tools that make the Web more accessible for people with disabilities and lists some of the basic rules for designing a page layout, focusing on HTML, color, buttons, images, links, image map, forms, columns and frames, applets and plug-ins. Discusses how to evaluate the Web page. (AEF)

This draft standard developed by the Classroom Acoustics Working Group provides acoustical performance criteria and accompanying design guidelines intended to ensure good speech communication among students and teachers in learning spaces. To ensure the noise limits are not exceeded, adequate sound isolation between classrooms and adjacent spaces…

Provides background information on the evolution of a large instructional Web site, "A Teacher's Guide to the Holocaust" that was designed and developed by graduate students at the University of South Florida (USF). Design considerations, screen design and navigation, evaluation, and distribution via CD-ROM are discussed. (Author/LRW)

Instructional designers and researchers are attempting to identify the factors that determine which type of graphic visuals to employ in a specific situation as well as how best to utilize available resources. The use of three-dimensional graphics in a variety of media formats is addressed, including a discussion of specific instructional…

Describes six trends in current library facilities design, whether for new buildings or renovations: self-service and operational efficiency; flexibility and technology integration; green/sustainable buildings that use the natural environment; collaboration between public and school/college libraries; aesthetics; and customizing to the local…

Appointed by the U.S. Access Board, the Recreation Access Advisory Committee developed guidelines for making outdoor recreation facilities and areas accessible to persons with disabilities. Following negative public comment, a regulatory negotiation committee conducted public meetings and devised accessibility guidelines for trails that allowed…