While PowerPoint is generally regarded as simply software for creating slide presentations, it includes often overlooked--but powerful--drawing tools. Because it is part of the Microsoft Office package, PowerPoint comes preloaded on many computers and thus is already available in many classrooms. Since most computers are not preloaded with good…

Pat Kyle, librarian at the Washington International School (WIS), was presented with a rare opportunity. A private PreK-12 institution in northwest Washington, DC, WIS had committed to a five-year redesign of the school in which she would take an active role, helping build a brand new media center. Having participated in a design workshop at the…

Contrary to system-controlled multimedia learning environments, hypermedia systems are characterized by a high level of interactivity. This interactivity is referred to as learner control in the respective literature. For several reasons this learner control is seen as a major advantage of hypermedia for learning and instruction. For instance,…

Many middle schools use the Web to disseminate and gather information. Online barriers often limit the accessibility of the Web for students with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accessibility of home pages of a sample of middle schools. The authors located 165 Web sites using a popular online directory and evaluated the…

We suggest the creation of a Global Web Laboratory (we call it "GloLab") for scientific purposes and teaching experiments online. In this article, we discuss the main principles and problems of building such a global Internet-laboratory. An example of a current working laboratory for teaching magnetism experiments online is also discussed.

The author discusses the copyright law as it pertains to purchasing and using computer software. She presents several case studies and lists consumer responsibilities. (CH)

Among tips suggested for teachers adjusting to the presence and use of computers in the classroom are: teach students about the keyboard; allow students to teach you about using the computer; find out and stay knowledgeable about software and students' interests; and share ideas with other teachers. (CB)

Reports a survey of computer use in psychology departments in Virginia's four year colleges. Results showed that faculty, students, and clerical staff used word processing, statistical analysis, and database management most frequently. The three most numerous computers brands were the Apple II family, IBM PCs, and the Apple Macintosh. (Author/JDH)

Summarizes the presentations at the 1987 Nebraska Interactive Videodisc Symposium, which covered such topics as educational applications of interactive video and business aspects of interactive video technology. Winners of the 1987 Nebraska Interactive Videodisc Awards are listed. (MES)

The article describes current state of the art capabilities and uses of computer-assisted video in the health sciences, covering such aspects as interactive education, technological developments, program development, and future potential. A brief listing is provided of videodisc-related resources. (CB)

Surveys new "peripherals," electronic devices that attach to computers. Devices such as videodisc players, desktop laser printers, large screen projectors, and input mechanisms that circumvent the keyboard dramatically expand the computer's instructional uses. (Author/LHW)

Provides an introduction to the articles in this issue. Maintains that social studies teachers and textbooks will not be replaced by computers. States that the relationship between the social studies and computers is limited only by our imaginations. (JDH)

Two voice-generating software programs, a speech synthesizer, and a touch-sensitive screen that allows young children to bypass the keyboard are described. (MT)

The National Forum on Education Statistics provides an arena for local, state, and national leaders in the education data community to discuss issues, address problems, develop resources, and consider new approaches to improving data collection and utility. This document was developed by educators for educators to remedy the lack of reliable,…

Recent advances in computer technologies have provided new tools for accessing complex data for classroom inquiry. The effectiveness of these tools for learning depends on the extent to which students learn to engage them reflectively. From an analysis of the design of an earth science inquiry unit using complex datasets, the authors (researchers…