The purpose and theoretical design basis of PUSH (Play Units for the Severely Handicapped) are described. The typical unit with accompanying peripheral equipment and its uses is explained. The PUSH concept has evolved into an architectural design process to fit the needs of institutionalized individuals. (Author/CL)

Photo essay illustrates library interiors of 20 newly built or renovated libraries ranging from renovated Carnegies to multimillion dollar university pantheons. Facilities represent academic libraries, public libraries (including children's and young adult's sections), a history library, a medical library, and a corporate library. Names and…

Explains GIF and JPEG formats for computer graphics to help Web page creators make an informed decision when selecting a format for each graphic in a Web publication. Highlights include compressing and decompressing computer images; image quality, including color; special features, including animation; and file size. (Author/LRW)

The word "architect" calls to mind a designer of buildings. An architect's job is to develop a structure to fit the client's needs, some of which are conflicting (or seem to be). When it comes to designing a campus network, IT infrastructure architects have a similar function. Like a building architect, an IT architect must develop a…

With the advent of web-based programs that automate the scoring of exercises, materials are now being developed from the outset with the capabilities of the web in mind. Materials developed without consideration of the web's capabilities, on the other hand, must be retrofitted. Texts that are retrofitted to the web have the advantage of being…

A rapidly changing global economy, shifting demographics, and concerns about our ability to maintain a competitive workforce have focused national attention on the educational systems of America's states, highlighting their critical role in ensuring a productive and creative future for our country. As a result, Americas colleges and universities…

This paper describes how digital talking books (DTBs) with embedded functionality for learners can be generated from content structured according to the OU OpenLearn schema. It includes examples showing how a software transformation developed from open source components can be used to remix OpenLearn content, and discusses issues concerning the…

This paper addresses the key elements found in well-designed teachers' workspaces, including both classroom- and office-based workspaces; and highlights important development principles when designing these workspaces. Educational trends that have affected the rise of both classroom- and office-based workspace are briefly discussed. (GR)

Discusses the origin of the ADDIE model of instructional design and concludes that the term came into use by word of mouth as a label for the whole family of systematic instructional development models. Examines the underlying ideas behind the acronym analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. (Author/LRW)

Discusses important concepts regarding children's need for specialized acoustical standards in classrooms: (1) all children need good acoustics to understand familiar words and to learn new information; (2) children who have hearing loss, those learning in a second language, and those with auditory or attention problems need even more favorable…

Using the examples of Owen D. Young School in Van Hornesville, New York, and the Tonawanda City school district in Buffalo, New York, describes how school planners should take the accessibility standards mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into account when renovating. (EV)

Discussion of the design of carts for moving audiovisual equipment in schools emphasizes safety factors. Topics addressed include poor design of top-heavy carts that has led to deaths and injuries; cart navigation; new manufacturing standards; and an alternative, safer cart design. (Contains 13 references.) (LRW)

Discusses the design of Web pages and sites and proposes a four-level model of Web development expertise that can serve as a curriculum overview or as a plan for an individual's professional development. Highlights include page design, media use, client-side processing, server-side processing, and site structure. (LRW)

Discusses how to choose from the available interactive graphic-design possibilities for the World Wide Web. Compatibility and appropriateness are discussed; and DHTML (Dynamic Hypertext Markup Language), Java, CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), plug-ins, ActiveX, and Push and channel technologies are described. (LRW)

Describes a new student housing approach at The College of St. Mary (Nebraska) which accommodates single mother students and their children. How the school created a community for these students is explained. (GR)