Provides a summary of the papers in this issue that deal with electronic publishing. Highlights include the impact on publishers, authors, users, and librarians and information technologists; theoretical frameworks; practical applications and implications; and future possibilities. (Contains 15 references.) (LRW)

Discussion of instructional design focuses on a foundation for an alternative instructional design model based on social sciences theories from the constructivist family and on an interpretivist philosophy of science. Highlights include the role of language; and the nature of truth, or alternative conceptions of reality. (LRW)

Discusses formative evaluation for multimedia instruction and presents guidelines for formatively evaluating multimedia instruction concurrent with analysis, design, and development. Data collection criteria that include group involvement, data collection strategies, and information to be gathered are presented, and rapid prototypes and…

Discusses selective fidelity in training devices, when trainers must choose to simulate only the stimuli that are truly necessary to perform a task. Examples of selective fidelity are described from military tactical training devices; and the future of selective fidelity is considered, including behavioral and cognitive research contributions.…

Discussion of the use of online learning activities in higher education focuses on experiences with a master's degree program in educational technology leadership at George Washington University (Washington, DC) that involves online learning as an essential element. Plans to create an online doctoral program in distance education leadership are…

Provides suggestions and concerns for integrating open learning and distance education concepts into a course designed for adult lifelong learners. Topics include a shift in educational paradigms from teacher-centered to learner-centered approaches, constructivism, restructuring the social context, and the use of media. (LRW)

Examines a computer-mediated communication exercise designed to foster dialog on multicultural issues and practices while simultaneously being a multicultural experience itself. Conference transcripts are analyzed, and results suggest it is difficult to break cultural myths of teaching and the ideology of professionalism embraced by preservice…

Discusses the following instructional technology issues as they relate to corporate training and development, higher education, and K-12 education: (1) use of technology-based media for delivery of instruction; (2) constraints on acceptance and use of technology; (3) challenges to existing instructional technology paradigms; and (4) core versus…

The 4S model uses the criteria "Simple, Stable, Scalable, and Sustainable" as a filter for selecting instructional technologies. This paper considers a social dimension that uses culture and interaction as the primary consideration in the deployment of any instructional technology within the context of the 4S model. (Author/MES)

Discusses the justification for the use of technologies in schools. Highlights include: the expense of technology; failure of technology advocates to provide evidence supporting the benefits of technology; inadequacy of the research base given the potential and cost; the backlash against technologies in schools; and the need to demonstrate…

Presents an online multicultural database developed by the Centre for Educational Research and Educational Policy (CEREP), a part of the network of Education Policy Units in South Africa. Highlights include technology and education policy in South Africa, the history of CEREP, organizing principles of the database, and description of database…

Reports on an assessment that examined the role of school and public libraries in educational reform. Results for school libraries are reported related to student use, staffing, collections, equipment/technology, Internet access/use, needs, and involvement in educational reform efforts. Cooperation between schools and public libraries is also…

Reports on a survey of middle and high schools in eastern North Carolina's Clinical Schools Network that examined the current status of computer networking and how the role of school media specialist is being affected. Results are reported related to perceived instructional needs and network problems, as well as proposed instructional and…

Explains how media specialists can play an active role in providing staff development that helps teachers use technology to teach in a changing learning environment and integrate technology in the curriculum. Highlights include key research about staff development, the changing role of the media specialist, and examples of successful staff…

Reports on an evaluation of Library Power, a national project to improve school library media services in elementary and middle school media centers. Major findings are reported related to impact on student learning, facilities and collection development, professional development and collaboration, and administrative support. (MES)