Compton’s Interactive Encyclopedia
Compton’s NewMedia, $70, for Microsoft Windows
800-261-6109
With school back in session, this homework-killer software package combines a CD-ROM disc containing the full text of a leading student-oriented encyclopedia with access to the America Online dial-up service.
The result is young people can augment traditional book-type information with breaking news and the other resources of an on-line service. The software automatically dials up America Online from within the encyclopedia if the student decides to continue a search on-line.
Thus, a school paper on gun control can cover not only encyclopedia offerings, complete with photos of various weapons and other visual aids, but articles from journals as diverse as the Chicago Tribune, the New Republic and hundreds of other resources.
Compton’s-a subsidiary of Tribune Co., owner of the Chicago Tribune and 6 percent of America Online-has added a resource-heavy area on America Online complete with teachers’ lesson plans, encyclopedia updates and other material.
The package’s other major feature package is the ability to produce multimedia reports in which a student combines text with sound files, video clips and photographs from the encyclopedia to turn out mini-documentaries that can be shared in the classroom.
