Women in Science: A CD-ROM Multimedia Database

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Innovative materials are needed to encourage women to consider careers in science. A comprehensive, multimedia database with text, graphics, photographs and audio could highlight women's achievements in science and provide an exciting tool for student research and a source of entertaining, interactive presentations. While CD-ROM (Compact Disc - Read-Only Memory) technology can theoretically deliver multimedia databases, almost no research has been conducted to date on how to design such programs. Phase I will examine the feasibility of an interactive multimedia database on the topic of women in science. The study will analyze the appropriate content, audience needs, delivery system and design options for a program aimed at students in grades 4-8. A prototype example will then be designed and created using HyperCard software and a hard disk drive to model a CD-ROM delivery system. The anticipated results of Phase I are a prototype that demonstrates the feasibility of producing a CD-ROM multimedia database on women in science and a set of design guidelines for the Phase II product. Phase II will result in a well designed, audiovisual, historical record of the achievements of women scientists that will be of interest to students, educators and career counselors.