Analyzes the change that Internet-based OPACs (Online Public Access Catalogs) have represented to the structure, administration, and maintenance of the catalogs, retrieval systems, and user interfaces. Examines the structure of databases and traditional principles that have governed systems development. Discusses repercussions of the application…

Examines recent trends that will have a significant impact on how virtual library services are designed and implemented in the future. Discusses end-user instruction; staff training and professional development; database design; the metadata movement and the Dublin Core; and changing roles of librarians and library services. (AEF)

Provides the criteria for the virtual reality (VR) system to deliver a new model of instruction, i.e,. synthetic experiences that learners remember as their own. Guidelines and recommendations to aid developers and instructional technology are presented. (AEF)

Extends a theoretical framework for designing effective information services by synthesizing and integrating theory and research derived from multiple approaches in the social and behavioral sciences. These frameworks are applied to develop general design strategies and principles for information systems and services that rely on complex…

Addresses the use of e-mail for communication and collaborative projects in schools. Discusses the effectiveness of an e-mail system based on a UNIX host; problems with POP (post office protocol) client programs; and the new Internet Mail Access Protocol (IMAP) which addresses most of the shortcomings of the POP protocol while keeping advantages…

Discusses online testing using the inQsit[C] Web-based software system, a system that enables an individual to create an assessment module, administer that module to gather responses, and perform simple analyses with responses. Describes how to create an online test using inQsit[C]; administering the test; grading the tests; concerns/problems…

The "Electronic School," a supplement to "The American School Board Journal" and "The Executive Educator," contains eight articles, including topics of cyberspace, the school board of tomorrow, network how-to, a rural school and technology, and Internet news. (MLF)

Factor-Q is a problem-solving computer assisted instruction system for teaching polynomials in grades 9-12 that addresses the limitations of most problem-solving programs, among others, the user interface. The system is designed to help students master the skills of factorizing polynomials. It demonstrates the ease with which inadequately trained…

Evaluates the use and efficiency of two computer learning tools for basic virology. "VIROLAB" is a simulation of a biology laboratory which also includes a hypertext providing learners with some knowledge on virology. The Hypertext is a version of the hypertext in VIROLAB. The study examined which of the two was most efficient for knowledge…

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 architecture of an intelligent system to support learning that is able to address the issues that arise from constructivist theories of learning in a way that, rather than opposing to the standard intelligent tutoring system architecture, characterizes a broader view in all its components which can be appropriately attuned to address…

Based on experiences of the Vigo County Public Library in Terre Haute, Indiana, this article outlines ways libraries can attract patrons to their Web sites and features that can keep them returning. Discusses marketing and publicity; basic content and special sources and services; attractive and easy-to-use site design; good Web site maintenance;…

Describes the "Hyper Apuntes" interactive learning environment, used as a didactic support to a computer programming course taught at the University Carlos III of Madrid, Spain. The system allows students to study the material and see examples, edit, compile and run programs, and evaluate their learning degree. It is installed on a Web…

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)

Discusses the design of an innovative learning system that uses new technologies for the man-machine interface, incorporating a combination of Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) and Text To Speech (TTS) synthesis. Highlights include using speech technologies to mimic the attributes of the ideal tutor and design features. (AEF)