In presearch, students can develop an overview of a search topic; a graphic organizer in the form of a web can be used. The browse and hypertext features of electronic encyclopedias enable students to explore topics and develop search strategies. The information-gathering process should be holistic and nonlinear. (AEF)

Examines the efficacy and utility of the National Geographic Society's Mammals Multimedia Encyclopedia, an interactive multimedia CD-ROM, used by 12-year-old elementary students as the principal source for a summary paper. Existing research, project methodology, student information seeking and recording strategies, form of information accessed,…

Describes an investigation of the search strategies employed by novice users of an interactive information system. A class of 12-year-old students was instructed in use of an electronic encyclopedia, which they used as an information source for projects and to complete skills tests. Students employed inefficient search strategies and had…

To establish evaluation criteria for home multimedia products, this study examined 13 case studies of experienced users of CD-ROM encyclopedias aimed at the home consumer. Findings ranked seven features from most to least important: searching; textual content; browsing; multimedia; aesthetics; interactivity; and system performance. Results suggest…