Popular electronic tools for learning--tutorials, educational databases, learning nodes, simulations and educational games--are described, and their functions as part of the learning system are examined using Gagne's Events of Instruction model. Figures representing tutorial models are included. (Contains seven references.) (SLW)

The use of electronic mail (e-mail) to facilitate communications between professors and students is presented. Examples of uses include announcements, students' questions, counseling, distribution of class assignments, quizzes, grade posting, homework hints, and attendance issues. Advantages and disadvantages are discussed. (SLW)

Reports on a pilot study that examined use by sixth-grade students in Costa Rica of a mathematical microworld written in LOGO. The investigation had three phases: (1) open exploration of the microworld; (2) group discussion and sharing of hypotheses; and (3) guided discovery and problem solving. (Contains 11 references.) (SLW)

Provides an overview of this special issue that addresses the possibilities and implications of electronic publishing and information dissemination as key components of effective education. Highlights include the theory and framework of electronic publishing; differences between electronic text and print; development of new educational materials;…

Discussion of electronic publishing focuses on the four main purposes of media in general: communication, entertainment, motivation, and education. Highlights include electronic journals and books; hypertext; user control; computer graphics and animation; electronic games; virtual reality; multimedia; electronic performance support;…

Examines features to consider when redesigning instructional materials to electronic format from print. Topics discussed include physical presence; human-computer interface; resolution and screen size; online help; interactivity; motion and sound; and software tools. Examples of screen designs are included. (Contains 11 references.) (LRW)

Discusses a new history and geography-centered curriculum for elementary and secondary school students that was developed in California and describes efforts to adopt instructional materials that include new technology and formats. Three specific technology developments in the history-social science curriculum are described. (LRW)

Discusses the shift in core curriculum materials from printed textbook formats to electronic formats. Highlights include cooperative learning; teacher-student interaction; multimedia-based programs; changes in the media development process; different versions of the final product; new revision schedules; and permission to use visual images, sound,…

Examines the need for publishers to create successful new media products for the higher education market. Topics discussed include business conditions in higher education publishing; influences of technology, including digital format; electronic textbooks; a customer-oriented approach; the appropriate use of technology; and future possibilities.…

Describes developments in the production and use of literary texts in electronic formats. Highlights include electronic approaches to literature, including characteristics of electronic writing and literary scholarship; relevant technologies; authoring programs; Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML); sources of texts; and the production of…

Discusses the use of the Internet for electronic publishing. Topics addressed include electronic mail; Telenet; file transfer protocol and Archie; Gopher; World Wide Web; LISTSERVS; and USENET. Four case studies are presented that illustrate how people can use the Internet to make information available to large numbers of people. (Contains 15…

Examines some of the problems that must be solved before the Internet can realize its educational potential, including access that is educationally beneficial; hardware and software availability; charges for Internet access; technical and curriculum support; lack of coherent structure, stability, and documentation; censorship; and quality control.…

Discussion of library automation and changes in research methodology focuses on computer-assisted research curricula. Topics addressed include public access to government information; the information superhighway; commercialization of government documents that may restrict public access; computer literacy; and a proposed curriculum plan for a…

Discussion of the educational effectiveness of textbooks focuses on a model of a virtual textbook that relies on hypermedia. Highlights include changing roles of teachers, students, and content; systemwide features of the virtual textbook, including interface and object-oriented design; classroom environment; sequencing; and a prototype. (Contains…

Discusses changes in media in a changing democratic society. Topics addressed include new visions of learning that incorporate computers and telecommunications; the use of multimedia and interactivity in education; the concept of a global village, with examples from CNN (Cable News Network); and changing from print literacy to media literacy. (LRW)