Creating educational software generally requires a great deal of computer expertise, and as a result, educators lacking such knowledge have largely been excluded from the design process. Recently, researchers have been designing tools for automating some aspects of building instructional applications. These tools typically aim for generality,…

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…

Discusses the application of computer based training (CBT) to human-computer interface design. Describes course considerations; courseware; and software environment for practice, and presents a case study outlining small group production of interactive guidebooks. Concludes that CBT can reduce instructional time and is an effective method for…

Describes the development and implementation of a Web interface to existing computer-based learning materials in an attempt to enhance the student learning experience. Discusses action research, which includes collaboration, in the fields of law and statistics that focused on producing meaningful learning environments. (Contains 25 references.)…

Reviews literature in the field of human-computer interaction (HCI) as it applies to educational environments. Topics include the origin of HCI; human factors; usability; computer interface design; goals, operations, methods, and selection (GOMS) models; command language versus direct manipulation; hypertext; visual perception; interface…

This article discusses how MIDI and other computer technologies can help students build their musical skills in the classroom and at home. MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) has provided music teachers with increasing opportunity to use quality computer-developed musical accompaniments in teaching music to children. Standard MIDI files…

This paper describes the Perseus Project, an undertaking begun in the Classics Department of Harvard University devoted to the creation of a massive interactive hypermedia product on ancient Greek culture. The project is discussed in terms of its importance; contents; funding; development; delivery systems; future releases; costs; user acceptance…

Hypertext is well-suited for educational applications where open learning and knowledge exploration is desired. In such applications, principles of good hypertext interface design should be employed to avoid navigational problems so as to maximize learning. Interface design, however, may also directly enhance acquisition of a particular knowledge…

Investigates the effects of two hypermedia interface design strategies on learner efficiency, perceptions of usability, and performance. Compares undergraduate student outcomes of comprehending and locating information by using manual and visual filtering via computers. Findings support the use of these filtering tools as methods of increasing…

Focuses on evaluation methods for and determinants of success of online courses. Discusses preliminary indicators of course success, student interactions as predictors, intuitive user interfaces, fluid caveats rather than set criteria, suggestions from participants of listservs, a multi-tiered assessment structure, lessons from the corporate…

Explains why metaphors are important design elements in multimedia learning environments. Describes a model developed for levels of metaphor mapping which is oriented toward a cognitive engineering approach for describing aspects of user interfaces. Shows the extent that the didactic dimensions of width and depth of metaphors be taken into account…

Discusses the design and use of intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) for computerized business simulations. Reviews the use of ITS as an instructional technology; presents a model for ITS-based business simulations; examines the user interface and link between the ITS and simulation; and recommends expert-consultant diagnostic testing, and…

We present COLLECT-UML, a constraint-based intelligent tutoring system (ITS) that teaches object-oriented analysis and design using Unified Modelling Language (UML). UML is easily the most popular object-oriented modelling technology in current practice. While teaching how to design UML class diagrams, COLLECT-UML also provides feedback on…

The SAGRES system is an educational environment built on the Web that facilitates the organization of visits to museums, presenting museum information bases in a way adapted to the user's characteristics (capacities and preferences). The system determines the group of links appropriate to the user(s) and shows them in a resultant HTML page. In…

Reports on the case study of a high school student using a computer-based tool called the Contour Analyzer to create graphs of height versus distance and slope versus distance for a flat board positioned with different slants and orientations. Focuses on visually recognizing the mathematical behavior of the slope versus distance function which…