This digest discusses the nature of interactive videodiscs and their educational applications, provides information about educational uses of videodisc technology, and presents lists of videodisc-related organizations, books, and periodicals. A general description of a reflective optical laser videodisc is presented, as well as the equipment…

Describes an interactive video system of animated programs developed at Stanford University that enables drama students to design and stage their own versions of scenes, and learn about the theatrical process quickly and inexpensively. The discussion covers the development of the programs and examples of their implementation. (CLB)

Discusses the use of educational technology for science and math instruction in elementary and secondary schools through conversations with six curriculum specialists and administrators. Highlights include the use of IBM and Macintosh hardware and software; hand-held computers; integrated learning systems; math workstations; computer simulations;…

Synthesizes the results of three case studies of middle school classrooms in which computer and video materials were used to teach topics in earth and space sciences through interactive simulations. Describes specific instances in which common current practice is problematic. Makes suggestions regarding improved design principles for such…

This paper establishes the roots of computers and automated teaching in the field of psychology and describes Dr. S. L. Pressey's presentation of the teaching machine; B. F. Skinner's teaching machine; Meyer's steps in composing a program for the automated teaching machine; IBM's beginning research on automated courses and the development of the…

WICAT Systems, Inc., produced a "proof of concept" instructional videodisc in college biology with support from the National Science Foundation. The project involved simultaneous development of content design, instructional strategies, software, and hardware, with a principal focus on evaluation of the instructional videodisc in the classroom.…

This state-of-the-art report on interactive video and instruction begins with a brief review of the current status of technology and technology transfer in schools. The nature of interactive video is then considered, including instructional applications of the technology and the components of an interactive video instructional system. Discussion…

This paper describes the development and current state of videodisk technology in Canada. The first section focuses on the technology itself, i.e., the disks, disk players, and the possibilities they offer for interaction between learner and machine. The current costs of the technology and the probable effect of these costs on the market are also…

Describes an interactive video system, VISTRAIN (Video-Based Integrated System for Training Applications), which was developed by the National Computing Centre in the United Kingdom for the Scottish Police College to help train police supervisory officers in crowd control. Group training is discussed, and management training applications are…

Discusses ways to generate and present images to students to study chemicals and chemical reactions. Contrasts current technologies with traditional means of displaying images. Summarizes experiences with the use of interactive videodisk-based lessons for chemistry instruction. (MVL)

Discusses production and evaluation of interactive computer-assisted videodisc laboratory tutorial simulations for use in prelaboratory instruction and as laboratory experiment replacement in an undergraduate chemistry course. Student performance on laboratory reports and tests was significantly better for students who utilized the simulations.…

This special feature focuses on recent developments in optical disk technology. Nine articles discuss current trends, large scale image processing, data structures for optical disks, the use of computer simulators to create optical disks, videodisk use in training, interactive audio video systems, impacts on federal information policy, and…

This report presents the results of RAND research conducted at the U.S. Army Signal Center, Fort Gordon, Georgia, to evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive videodisc (IVD) system used to facilitate training in a variety of military occupational specialities. The objectives of the study were to: (1) develop a methodology for assessing the…

This article is a review of the impact upon science learning of classroom and laboratory uses of computers in grades K-16 as revealed by published, peer-reviewed research from 1988-95. Highlights include problems with media-comparison studies, computer-assisted instruction, computer simulations, microcomputer-based laboratories, interactive video,…

Describes a computer simulation called ICCARUS (Intelligent Command and Control, Acquisition and Review Using Simulation) that was developed for training fire officers in the United Kingdom. The integration of microcomputer-based software, videodisks, and audio material on compact disks into the simulation is described; and results of an…