Hypermedia was used to foster constructivism in science and mathematics learning in K-12 settings. It was hypothesized that students might more readily use primary information sources and texts if the goal were to create a hypermedia program. A consortium was formed of K-12 schools in central Iowa, their Area Education Agency (AEA), and the…

This paper presents and discusses the results of a project in which seven teams of elementary school students were involved in designing and implementing interactive multimedia resources in science for younger children. During a period of 3 months, students in grades 5 and 6 were divided into teams and met regularly to program the multimedia…

Computer simulations are one promising tool for supporting learning at all levels--from elementary school to workplace learning. Learning through simulations, either by creating simulations or by exploring existing ones, helps learners develop a deeper understanding of the concepts being simulated. Learning about simulations is also important…

Describes a seminar at Brown University where undergraduate students design and develop software for K-12 schools based on proposals of teachers in and around Providence (Rhode Island). Discusses seminar goals, working with schools, division of labor between teachers and seminar students, creating the software, student benefits, and using…

Provides theoretical evidence supporting the assumption that cognitive mapping is an effective learning method for students' hypermedia design activities. Checks the effects of student hypermedia design assignments in an ill-structured environment against the uniqueness of cognitive mapping, mapping styles, and cognitive mapping as a creative…

Analyzes the construction of mathematical concepts and techniques developed by high school algebra students in computer-assisted instruction; examines learning styles of the most inventive students; and discusses the use of student-generated mathematical techniques in the development of new software intended to cultivate mathematical inventiveness…

Describes the planning and design process of "Off the Wall," a student-developed CD-ROM multimedia project about the life and work of artist Chuck Close-the product of a studio-based course in Learning Experiments Design at the University of Georgia. The design includes an element of gaming; text is kept sparse; navigational elements are rendered…

This study examines a 3-month software design activity in which mixed teams of girls and boys designed and implemented multimedia resources. Mixed-gender teams of fifth and sixth graders used Logo MicroWorlds in their classroom to design multimedia encyclopedias about their astronomy unit for use by younger children. In this context, students'…

The absence of an authoring agency in higher education is often reflected in the bewilderment of students who feel they have been forced to take courses which have no relevance to their life goals and interests. At the University of Washington School of Drama, a project was developed to involve undergraduates in the development of an open-ended…

As computing and embedded systems become ubiquitous in our world, the importance of user interface design knowledge increases in our curriculum. Students of undergraduate information systems or computer science programs should possess some competence in this computing sub-discipline. However, many programs do not have the curricular space to host…

Describes the development of multimedia instructional technology in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York. Grants that allowed the college to develop a multifaceted academic computing environment are discussed, and five programs that were developed by faculty and students are…

An effective learning environment must ensure that students are motivated to access whatever information is available, that they have an authentic context in which to situate that knowledge, and that they face challenges that allow them to put that knowledge to use. In an attempt to address these issues, a computer program was developed, called…

The creation of an information technology center at the University of Oregon Science Library is described. Goals included providing access to Internet-based resources and multimedia software, platforms for running science-oriented software, and resources so students can create multimedia materials. A mixed-lab platform was created with Unix-based…

Describes a project that taught groups of fourth graders how to develop instructional software for second and third graders in the areas of mathematics and science. Topics include project goals for students and the teacher; integrating technology; documentation and packaging; community involvement; and benefits to students. (LRW)

Describes the development of Atta-Touch, the school-based business run by students at Clark Fork Junior/Senior High School in Idaho, that grew out of an entrepreneurship class and that currently designs and creates technology-based, multimedia products. Discusses community building; real-world experience; project-based learning; and products…