Describes interfacing a hand-held oxygen probe with a microcomputer and suggests experiments for undergraduate chemistry courses that could facilitate student understanding of aquatic environmental processes which involve dissolved oxygen. Data can be analyzed through the program or exported into other software. Presents results of an experiment…

Describes the use of microcomputers in physics experiments to extend powers of observation, increase the accuracy of measurements taken, and obtain large amounts of high quality information, especially continuous and rapidly changing/moving data. Discusses software for interfacing a microcomputer with mechanics experiments. (JRH)

Describes Windows-based multimedia authoring programs that cost less than $1000. Discusses text support, interface variety, title creation, search and retrieval capabilities, special features, platform requirements and cost, design, royalty-free use, distribution and selling. (AEF)

Discusses the pros and cons of selecting Apple Macintosh computers versus a personal computer that runs the Windows platform. Graphical user interfaces, current and future support, and aesthetics are considered, as well as personal preferences. (LRW)

End users think of file names as a way to identify file contents, whereas computer programs often assign special meaning to file extensions. This article discusses different kinds of files on the World Wide Web: text, document, sound, video, and multimedia; file compression; and encoding formats. Includes a chart of file formats and lists Web…

Introduces five articles in a special journal issue devoted to research about, design of, and use of multimodal interfaces. Article highlights include: algebra instruction; presentation of data summaries; interaction with complex spatial displays (maps); access to computing for the visually impaired; and design for portable devices for use in…

Visually impaired users are hampered by current PC software written for graphical user interfaces. Screen readers that vocalize displayed text require standardization that remains missing in the programming industry; the readers cannot interpret many cues in the Windows environment. More programming standards and adaptive technology for computers…

Describes the state-of-the-art in computer interfacing in the biology laboratory. Discusses hardware and software. Enumerates the educational benefits from instrumentation such as cost effectiveness and increased student opportunity and motivation. Includes 14 references. (CW)

Discussion of personal bibliographic systems (PBS) that manage the input, storage, retrieval, and output of bibliographic references focuses on low-cost mainstream bibliographic software for personal use or smaller libraries. Structural flexibility, indexes, printing and downloading, searching, and interface- and management-related issues are…

Discusses client-server architecture in dumb terminals, personal computers, local area networks, and graphical user interfaces. Focuses on functions offered by client personal computers: individualized environments; flexibility in running operating systems; advanced operating system features; multiuser environments; and centralized data…

Describes MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) technology and music education; provides information on conducting a MIDI workshop for all ages; and offers guidelines for creating a MIDI workstation for the classroom. Hardware and software vendor contact information is provided. (PEN)

Described is the use of the microcomputer and interfacing equipment to obtain weather data from meteorological satellites. Equipment necessary for this type of remote sensing, including constructing and/or obtaining the necessary hardware and software is discussed. Ideas for the integration of this material into the curriculum are presented. (CW)

Described is an activity in which a computer is used to acquire temperature and humidity data useful in investigating transpiration in plants. Materials and procedures are discussed and examples of results are presented. Factors which influence the rate of transpiration are discussed. (CW)

Examines the following essential skills for a successful electronic performance support systems design: (1) the ability to understand and assess human performance needs; (2) open-mindedness; (3) solid design skills; (4) human-computer interface design skills; (5) team leadership skills; and (6) microcomputer application design skills. (AEF)

Explains the use of the microcomputer as a multipurpose analytical instrument which frees students from the mechanics of science and allows for more active learning involvement. Provides the typical data acquisition configuration, advantages, disadvantages, and a brief summary. (RT)