This guide outlines a prototype for using hypermedia to help students in secondary-level family and consumer education courses develop higher-level reasoning skills. Chapter 1 examines the nature and potential of hypermedia, with special emphasis on its relevance to family-focused curriculum efforts. The following aspects of designing a local prototype are covered in chapter 2: computer-assisted instruction versus computer-involved environments; assessment of hardware and software needs; equipment sharing; appropriate teacher and learner roles in computer-involved environments; equity and copyright issues related to using hypermedia; and specific uses of hypermedia. Discussed in chapter 3 are the following types of hypermedia-related hardware and software: microcomputer systems, input devices, output devices, hypermedia systems, multimedia devices, authoring systems, and sample hypermedia software packages. Chapter 4 presents stack guidelines and sample HyperCard stack designs for family and consumer education programs. The availability and use of computer technology in Wisconsin family and consumer education programs is analyzed in chapter 5. Concluding the guide are an annotated bibliography of 147 resources on hypermedia and a list of 14 sources for laserdiscs, CD-ROM, and hypermedia software. Several chapters also include substantial reference lists. (MN)