Multimedia distance learning without the wait

Web-linked digital video disks provide high-quality interactive multimedia presentations and virtual laboratories with Web-access for timely materials and collaboration. The authors present techniques for presentation, interaction, and assessment. Experimental modules using these techniques have been developed using multimedia systems as content. New assessment methods allow materials to be dynamically modified to satisfy different learner backgrounds and objectives. A new software tool has been developed for gathering user statistics to best adapt the curriculum as well as evaluate the overall learning efficiency across diverse learner populations. The project is being disseminated at the University of Massachusetts, Springfield Technical Community College, Smith College, ENST/Paris and the National Technological University