Gives an overview of Educational Support Systems based on commercial off-the-shelf software (ESSCOTS), and discusses the benefits of developing such educational software. Presents results of a study that revealed the learning processes of middle and high school students who used a geographical information system. (JMV)

Defines multimedia, explores uses of multimedia training, and discusses the effects and challenges of adding multimedia such as graphics, photographs, full motion video, sound effects, or CD-ROMs to existing training methods. Offers planning tips, and suggests software and hardware tools to help set up multimedia training programs. (JMV)

CPU SIM, an interactive low-level computer simulation package that runs on the Macintosh computer, is described. The program is designed for instructional use in the first or second year of undergraduate computer science, to teach various features of typical computer organization through hands-on exercises. (MSE)

Presents a resource directory of print and CD-ROM consumer directories that cover broad and particular aspects of the CD-ROM and multimedia industry, and provides bibliographic information and publication reviews for presented directories. A table displays names of discussed directories and a sidebar reviews eight publications considered to be…

Describes the development of a computer case-study template for integrating basic science concepts with clinical problem-solving processes in medical education; multimedia and interactive resources of Macintosh HyperCard software were used. Discusses design considerations and how the format works for the author and the student. (AEF)

Describes a computer program for arithmetic in which the use of the operationalized cognitive apprenticeship methods was studied together with effects of modelling and coaching on student performance. Results showed that adult basic education students make little use of optional materials in a computer program. (Author/JKP)

Distance educators need to forge new partnerships with the traditional university and collaborate in creating new systems, academic course software, and supporting networks for information transmission. (Author/AEF)

Maintains that a crucial issue in hypertext design is how to give the reader new capabilities without taking any existing ones away. Discusses the conversion of traditional, printed scholarly text to hypertext. Includes recommendations for the conversion of scholarly text to hypertext. (CFR)

A case is made against the educational application with nonproficient writers of "canned" feedback provided by text analysis computer programs marketed as grammar checkers and style analyzers. The feedback does not teach students. Alternative approaches for giving students feedback in the electronic medium are offered. (46 references) (Author/LB)

Describes a spreadsheet system that enables students, teachers, and curriculum developers to use Microsoft EXCEL's database and graphics capabilities in the science classroom. System design goals are explained, examples of system applications are given, and possible future developments are discussed. (15 references) (LRW)

Describes a linear, self-paced approach that uses interactive video to teach introductory science courses to community college nonscience majors. The discussion covers learning modules, materials, hardware, software, teacher role, advantages, disadvantages, results, cost effectiveness, and equipment costs. Sources for videodiscs and software are…

The Cost Proposal System, a menu-driven computer program designed to help Pennsylvania State University faculty and staff prepare proposal budgets, accommodates novice and experienced computer users and requires users to provide only basic information. It calculates personnel costs, tuition, indirect costs, and cost sharing automatically and…

Reports on a study that explored the impact of instructor-student interaction when pairs of business statistics students used a computer spreadsheet package to perform statistical calculations. Data are reported on spreadsheet performance and use of commands, and implications for the roles of the instructor and software developer are discussed.…

Presents brief descriptions of 46 software programs designed to (1) help writers collaborate over a network; (2) help writers invent; (3) allow comment after critical reading; (4) help writers write research papers; (5) help writers analyze style/mechanics/usage; (6) offer on-line reference guides; (7) author multimedia courseware; and (8) assess…

This article offers a British perspective on ways that information technology can help pupils with specific learning difficulties to overcome problems with handwriting, spelling, and structured writing. (DB)