This collection of articles exploring multimedia in education was compiled from presentations at an invitational conference on Multimedia in Education. Following an introduction by Sueann Ambron ("New Visions of Reality: Multimedia and Education"), articles are grouped under six headings: (1) Computer Science and Engineering: "The…

Discusses the characteristics of optical discs and examples of interactive videodiscs. Guidelines for videodisc production cover the appropriateness of in-house production, levels of interactivity, software, and system compatibility as applied to information services in general, and specifically to an interactive video project at the Technical…

The study compared the effectiveness of an interactive videodisc curriculum incorporating principles of instructional design with a traditional basal curriculum to teach basic fraction skills to 28 high school students, including 17 mildly handicapped students. The videodisc curriculum's superiority at posttest and at two-week maintenance were…

Increased emphasis on both individualized instruction and distance education along with the cost-effectiveness factor will encourage further educational development with the optical disc technologies. Acceptance of interactive videodisc instructional materials will be a slow process in the public school setting but will eventually have a great…

Reviews the development process of the TouchSource authoring system, which has been designed for use in developing touchscreen information directories using interactive videodisc. Topics discussed include authoring languages; the compatibility of interactive videodisc systems; hardware considerations; menu creation and design; database functions;…

Reports findings of a small-scale study on middle school students' use of interactive videodisc. Types of learning activities in which the ability-grouped pupils engaged are identified, the proportion of time spent on each activity is shown, and the dynamics of group process are discussed. (eight references) (Author/LRW)

Describes efforts of Serveis de Cultura Popular, a nonprofit foundation in Barcelona (Spain), in the coproduction of educational videos. Highlights include contests that awarded prizes for completed videos, video scripts, or ideas for videos; coproduction with educational television; coproduction of an interactive videodisc; and international…

Discussion of design principles in creating interactive video simulations for second-language learning focuses on two interactive video simulations on the Eurocentres Videodisc (ECVD). Four design principles are explained, instructional procedures involved in the ECVD are described, and learners' reactions are discussed. (four references) (LRW)

This article describes a prototype videodisc method of assessing social competence, knowledge, and perception in children with disabilities. It notes major hardware features (Macintosh IIx computer), software features (using SuperCard), improved examinee response modes, and improved data entry techniques. (DB)

Interactive videodisc controlled via hypermedia has the potential to create a virtual world in which novice teachers can experience and reflect upon problems of practice. This article describes case materials being used with elementary teacher preparation programs to provide a "field experience" with exemplary science teachers.…

The tremendous potential of videodisc technology makes learning about this medium and its use a necessity for all educators. An overview describes video frames, videodisc formats, and visual display options. The three different levels of interactivity used to refer to the delivery of videodisc programs are outlined; they offer various amounts of…

In order to meet the needs of the High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health and Safety, research was conducted to develop product evaluation methods for instructional videos. Compiling suggestions from the literature and synthesizing the instructional design methodology of several researchers, an instrument was developed to help a…

This paper discusses various educational strategies for interactive videodisc design that were derived through scanning, synthesizing, and simplifying implications from a wide variety of learning theories. Four initial assumptions about videodisc technology are presented: (1) videodisc systems are more likely to be effective if learning theories…

Arguing that videodisc technology has major implications for the storage and retrieval of information and that it may meet learners' needs in ways never before possible, this paper highlights key points regarding the history and development of videodisc technology, explores its implications for education, and addresses current and future uses of…

Boards on the laser's edge of technology are adding videodisks to their instructional options, because of their versatility in giving teachers and students flexible access to visual material. (TE)