Gives an overview of Educational Support Systems based on commercial off-the-shelf software (ESSCOTS), and discusses the benefits of developing such educational software. Presents results of a study that revealed the learning processes of middle and high school students who used a geographical information system. (JMV)

Defines multimedia, explores uses of multimedia training, and discusses the effects and challenges of adding multimedia such as graphics, photographs, full motion video, sound effects, or CD-ROMs to existing training methods. Offers planning tips, and suggests software and hardware tools to help set up multimedia training programs. (JMV)

Maintains that a crucial issue in hypertext design is how to give the reader new capabilities without taking any existing ones away. Discusses the conversion of traditional, printed scholarly text to hypertext. Includes recommendations for the conversion of scholarly text to hypertext. (CFR)

A case is made against the educational application with nonproficient writers of "canned" feedback provided by text analysis computer programs marketed as grammar checkers and style analyzers. The feedback does not teach students. Alternative approaches for giving students feedback in the electronic medium are offered. (46 references) (Author/LB)

Describes a linear, self-paced approach that uses interactive video to teach introductory science courses to community college nonscience majors. The discussion covers learning modules, materials, hardware, software, teacher role, advantages, disadvantages, results, cost effectiveness, and equipment costs. Sources for videodiscs and software are…

The Cost Proposal System, a menu-driven computer program designed to help Pennsylvania State University faculty and staff prepare proposal budgets, accommodates novice and experienced computer users and requires users to provide only basic information. It calculates personnel costs, tuition, indirect costs, and cost sharing automatically and…

This article offers a British perspective on ways that information technology can help pupils with specific learning difficulties to overcome problems with handwriting, spelling, and structured writing. (DB)

The Higher Education Information System (HIS) is Germany's publicly financed service institution serving higher education. One of its functions is to act as a clearinghouse for computer software for higher education. The evolution, role and mission, founding principles, and services of HIS in this capacity are explained. (Author/MSE)

Artificial intelligence techniques available for generating explanations for teaching purposes are surveyed, and the way in which they are combined in a computer program that provides explanations is described. The program responds to questions in the physical sciences. Potential contributions of this technology to computer-based education are…

Outlines the Linden, New Jersey, schools' introduction and use of electronic musical technology and contemporary instruments in the orchestral music program, which has broadened the musical repertoire and the recruitment of talented students not schooled in the classical tradition. Four applications of technology for rehearsals and instrumental…

Describes the implementation of an online catalog in the library of the National Institute for Cancer Research and the Clinical and Experimental Oncology Institute of the University of Genoa. Topics addressed include automation of various library functions, software features, database management, training, and user response. (10 references) (MES)

Summarizes three Ph.D. dissertations that concern school libraries: the first examines patterns of acquisition and use of microcomputer software in high school media centers; the second reviews the development of public school library programs in Puerto Rico; and the third identifies librarians who have significantly influenced library work with…

Authors describe how to use videodisks and computer software in biology instruction. HyperCard Videodisc Toolkit for the Macintosh computer and the BioSci videodisc are used to explain basic principles in the preparation of multimedia presentations. Authors assert that the use of this technology enhances student learning by inserting excellent…

Discussion of problems that organizations face regarding the selection, management, and accession of information services focuses on the extent to which document information systems (DIS) and text management systems (TMS) can improve the management and accessibility of information sources. Examples of TMS applications are described. (11…

This study was designed to determine whether differences in performance on a popular instructional gaming package would be observed under differing conditions of color presentation. It was hypothesized that performance would be enhanced under a monochromatic and/or moderately colored condition, and least successful under a multicolored condition.…