The history of instructional multimedia systems development includes many difficulties--authorial uncertainty about how to order concepts, the misplaced focus of so-called "intelligent tutors," the sometimes disconcerting proliferation of products, and financial constraints. Against this background, this paper discusses the project which…

This paper evaluates four tools for creating World Wide Web pages that interface with Microsoft Access databases: DB Gateway, Internet Database Assistant (IDBA), Microsoft Internet Database Connector (IDC), and Cold Fusion. The system requirements and features of each tool are discussed. A sample application, "The Virtual Help Desk"…

This guide highlights the basic operation of software that provides a framework and tools for students to encounter computer-based multimedia reviews of the books the have read independently given minimal equipment and expertise, and suggests ways to go beyond the basic operation for those who have the capability to do so. After a background and…

Many reference librarians still rely on manual searches to access vertical files, ready reference files, and other information stored in card files, drawers, and notebooks scattered around the reference department. Automated access to these materials via microcomputers using database management software may speed up the process. This study focuses…

This book is geared for beginners in the use of personal computers for everyday academic purposes. The information is generic, and is not directed exclusively to IBM users, Macintosh users or NeXT users. The chapters focus on the following topics: (1) introduction to the purpose of the book; (2) personal computer systems such as hardware and…

This training material provides the reader with information on the installation of and instruction in the use of the on-line Novell Netware V2.15 training software, and consists of an Instructor's Guide and Student Handouts. The instructor's guide includes the following sections: system requirements; installation; starting the tutorial; completing…

This guide reviews the basic principles of Internet exploration for the novice user, describing various functions and utilizing "onscreen" displays. The introduction explains what the Internet is, and provides historical information. The introduction is followed by a listing of Internet hardware and software (freeware and shareware),…

Like a table of contents in print material, a computer-presented menu presents information. It informs a user of the topics that are available. Some menus present information by categories and thus communicate the organization as well as the content of the program. In addition to providing information, menus serve as a selection and retrieval…

A diagnostic testing system managed by microcomputer was evaluated in actual use at the upper elementary level. Two tests specifically designed to yield diagnostic indicators of erroneous performance were utilized, one a test of pronoun usage, the other a test of reading comprehension. The results are interpreted from the standpoint of the…

This report summarizes findings from a survey of 183 of the 314 elementary, middle, and high school educators that participated in the pilot year implementation of the Rhode Island Teacher Training Initiative (RITTI). All RITTI educators received 60 hours of training over a 2-week period focused on using a variety of software applications,…

There are numerous teaching suggestions to offer in guiding pupils to greater achievement in mathematics. This paper suggests that the instructor should begin where the pupil is presently and observe what interests the pupil in learning. Different methods for teaching mathematics such as using blocks, beads, films, filmstrips or slides, a…

Directed at home school teachers, this paper criticizes public schools for not embracing technology and suggests that much of the current educational software is inadequate. The paper notes that home schooling families are creating a revolution in the educational software marketplace, because home school teachers are looking for the best tools…

This digest discusses advantages and disadvantages of CD-ROM use in libraries and information centers and lists features of three CD-ROM versions of the ERIC database--Dialog OnDisc ERIC, OCLC Search CD450, and SilverPlatter ERIC. Brief descriptions of these products focus on the differences among them, including equipment requirements, search…

This training module on MacDraft is part of a computer drafting skills unit on communications technology for grades 9-12. The objective is for each student to complete a drawing on the MacIntosh computer using the MacDraft software program. This drawing is to be dimensioned with a dual system and is to include a border and title block. This module…

This book is designed to provide a quick introduction to LinkWay (one of a new generation of hypermedia programs) for teachers who are familiar with other computer applications, but who may not have worked with hypermedia applications. The book serves as a tutorial that quickly introduces the basic elements of LinkWay, thereby making more…