Based on evaluations of 1,025 CD-ROM products, this article summarizes trends in (1) growth of commercially available CD-ROM titles; (2) types and subjects of products produced; (3) update options; (4) hardware systems CD-ROMs are designed to run on; (5) prices; and (6) multimedia products. Possible future developments that could revolutionize…

Describes a HyperCard-based simulation/tutorial for the Macintosh that is designed to teach users to search the Medline CD-ROM database on an IBM microcomputer. Results of a user survey are reported, and the potential of HyperCard for bibliographic instruction, including the use of the tutorial to develop transparencies, is discussed. (MES)

Describes Ulrich's PLUS (a CD-ROM version of Ulrich's serials directories) and EBSCO's CD-ROM version of "The Serials Directory," and compares the two in terms of their use as reference tools. Areas discussed include database content, user aids, system features, search features, and a comparison of search results. Equipment requirements…

This paper reports the results of a study of the development of an innovative learning element designed to be implemented in a computer-facilitated learning (CFL) module. The learning element is an open-ended, short answer, text question tool (TQT) designed to be used in World Wide Web-based courses or incorporated into hybrid Web/CD-ROM systems.…

Describes a project that experimented with using a NeXT computer as a cataloger's workstation. The use of Digital Librarian software to access the text of "Anglo-American Cataloging Rules" (AACR) on magneto-optical disk is discussed, and suggestions for future developments are made. (four references) (LRW)

This paper presents the results of three years of development and evaluation of a CD-ROM/Web hybrid simulation known as Brownfield Action for an introductory environmental science course at an independent college for women in the northeastern United States. Brownfield Action is a simulation that provides a learning environment for developing the…

Presents an overview and statistical profile of currently available CD-ROM databases. Trends in the following areas are discussed: types of databases available (index, source, reference, full text, numeric, software and images); subject areas covered by databases; update frequency; and pricing. A list of key publishers and software is provided.…

Presents the results of a comparative evaluation of four CD-ROM retrieval software packages using the Revised Richards-Brown CD-ROM Software Evaluation Model. CD Answer, SPIRS, KAware2, and ROMware are evaluated, and results indicate that SPIRS and CD Answer are the favored packages. (LRW)

Provides highlights of a report describing research conducted to analyze and compare publishers' and developers' current and planned involvement in electronic publishing. Topics include acceptance of new media, licensing issues, costs and other perceived obstacles, and CD-ROMs platforms. (EAM)

The "Hypermedia for Teaching" project is a European collaborative venture designed to produce a hypermedia learning package that is published on CD-ROM. Two versions of the package are to be developed. One of these is intended to be used on a multimedia personal computer (MPC), while the other is to be used in conjunction with…

Observations, interviews, and a survey were used to study the staff of an educational-technology center which has been producing educational software (CDs) for about five years. Results showed that educators generally approached electronic curriculum development in terms of either programming processes or curricular concepts. Differences between…

Discusses interactivity as it pertains to learning. Presents the findings of a survey of primary school teachers asked to evaluate two science-based CD-ROMS and the resulting theoretical framework of cognitive interactivity. Identifies dimensions for teachers to assess (visibility and accessibility, manipulability and annotatability, creativity…

Describes the HyperCard program and explains HyperTalk, the programing language it uses. Implications of HyperCard for educational researchers are discussed, including software design and development, the concept of learner control, and computer-assisted instruction that incorporates videodiscs and CD-ROM. A case study using HyperCard in…

Investigates the effect on reading comprehension when reading shorter and easier narrative text and longer and more difficult texts on the printed page as compared to reading the same narrative texts using interactive CD-ROM software displayed by the computer. Finds that reading from computers increased comprehension when subjects read longer and…

Discussion of quality control in online and CD-ROM databases focuses on the problem of data elements that are omitted from records. Completeness testing is discussed; search strategies are described; and a case study of Bowker's Video Directory, part of the Children's Reference Plus database, is presented. (eight references) (LRW)