Stand-alone, single-user software programs for classroom use can be prohibitively expensive, compared to information-sharing network systems. Based on a Kansas district's experience, this article explains three types of networks (device-sharing, operating-system-based, and client-server-based) and discusses network protocols, software choices,…

Discusses microcomputer-based graphics and describes software for Windows and other operating systems. Highlights include file formats for painting and drawing; sources of artwork, including clip art, scanning, and public domain images; examples; and graphics toolkits. A review of 26 recent articles on personal computers, other hardware, and…

Describes a study by Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical Research Library to determine user satisfaction with the graphical user interface-based (GUI) Dynix Marquis compared with the text-based Dynix Classic Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC). Results show that the GUI-based OPAC was preferred by endusers over the text-based OPAC. (eight references) (DGM)

A typology of authoring programs in computer-assisted language learning (CALL) with different features (reconstruction, rearrangement, matching, transformation, multiple choice, vocabulary data bank, simulation) is presented. Examples of screen presentation methods and a catalog of teaching/learning software requirements are included. (Contains 12…

Describes the use of barcodes to link laser discs with books in school libraries. Highlights include use of a barcode reader as a remote control device as well as a scanner, guidelines for making laser disc books, and a sidebar that explains how to make barcodes and describes software. (LRW)

Presents a connectionist approach to modeling that relies on neural networks to control conventional simulations of multimedia clinical patient simulations. These neural networks simplify the medical expert's task of validating and maintaining patient simulations with diagnostic capabilities and serves as the basis of clinical decision support…

Describes and defines the relationship between and capabilities of World Wide Web (WWW) and Mosaic, a software interface program. The uses of hypertext and hypermedia and possibilities for educational use of Mosaic are mentioned. A sidebar includes information on recommended material on the WWW and Mosaic. (JKP)

Discussion of evaluation methodology for computer software focuses on the evaluation of electronic performance support systems. Highlights include problems with evaluation; a usage-oriented methodology, including a theoretical framework, a purpose aspect, and an activities aspect; decision making; and rapid prototypes. (LRW)

Cobb's Cusp Surface Analysis Program (CUSP) provides a way to estimate empirically and test a nonlinear cusp catastrophe model. A model of emotion during problem solving is used to introduce catastrophe theory modeling and is discussed in conjunction with how to run and interpret CUSP. (SLD)

States that every editor, designer, and printer has a favorite typeface and can usually give solid reasons for its use. Discusses the important aspects of type choice and use. Provides examples that illustrate typography terminology as well as special typographical effects that can be created with computers and software programs. (PA)

In a study focusing on components of metacognition, 12 expert and 12 novice computer programmers were compared in terms of metacognitive knowledge and task-specific awareness. Results indicate that experts have a close interaction between metacognitive knowledge, task-specific awareness, and cognitive monitoring that is missing in novices. (SLD)

Suggests that technical communicators look on continual change as continual opportunity for making communication more interesting, efficient, and effective. Discusses online documentation, interactive multimedia, the information highway, the challenge for communicators, and strategies for the future. (RS)

Suggests that, when creating graphics files for documents in a Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) environment, technical writers should consider the differences between bitmapped and vector file formats; be familiar with available file formats; determine which graphics format best meets the needs; and incorporate the graphic into the SGML…

Monitors several measures of progress toward a breakthrough improvement in computer manuals. Reports observations from a benchmark study of the state of the art in computer manuals, both paper and online. Suggests additional areas for improvement. (RS)

Discusses CD-ROM development, including common production terms (data acquisition, rights acquisition, data conversion, indexing, authoring, premastering, image building, replication); describes the roles of project team members (script writers, artists, designers, programmers, managers, distributors); and explains the differences between CD-ROM…