ASC CD-ROM Descriptions
The ASC has developed a collection of over 40 CD ROMs for use in all workshops covering the areas listed below. For information and ideas about integrating these resources into teaching, see Computer Assisted Learning.
This information was compiled by Amanda Butcher, February 28, 1997.
American Culture and Politics
American Impressions
This is a good place to get a basic outline of pluralistic American history. You can click on the era of your choice, and then an issue (Politics, Culture and Society, or Science and Health). This CD is best for looking at the visual images stored in its files, and the Source Documents. If you are using the program to do research, you can also save your Notes.
The Day After Trinity: J. Robert Oppenheimer and the Atom Bomb
This is a documentary about the life of Robert Oppenheimer, mastermind behind the atomic bomb. The filmmakers transcend a simple biography; they use his life as a framework to help illustrate the steps that led up to the bombing of Hiroshima, and ultimately the cold war. In Oppenheimer’s life, much like the nations, we see the idealism and patriotism of the W.W.II era dissolve into the paranoia of the atomic age.
The film also sheds light on the role of scientists in determining history. Socialized by the scientific method, the scientists are more concerned with "solving the problem" than any ethical dilemmas. Archival footage and interviews take the viewer inside the 6,000 person Atomic laboratory, where the bomb was referred to as "the gadget," and bets were placed on how strong the actual test explosion would be (one physicist placed his money on vaporizing New Mexico). Only once did they have an organized discussion about the implications of their creation.
The CD also includes commentary by the director and other scholars, declassified government documents, photos and the working transcripts and biographies of everyone interviewed.
The Beat Experience
Have you dug Burroughs? If you think this phrase has anything to do with the activities of ground rodents, than this CD is essential education. While most CD-ROMs try to create clear and linear formats, this one attempts to create an atmosphere that emulates the subject’s own aesthetic. You can experience the duality of the Beat lifestyle-i.e. You can hang out in the Beat Pad or go out on the Road. Great clips of poetry by Ginsberg, Kerouac and Burroughs, swinging jazz music, art and bizarre underground films. Warning: some nudity.
Campaigns, Candidates and the Presidency
Interactively explore the issues and events that shaped the campaigns of America’s 42 presidents and their opponents. See presidential montages featuring historic media clips of the events that influenced each administration.
Features:
Comedians
Allows you to explore the art of comedy in a fun, three dimensional environment. Incorporating original audio interviews, treasured video performances, and captivating photographs, Comedians lets you create your own interactive tour of the stand-up comedian’s world including Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal, Jackie Mason, Sam Kinison, and more.
Drivin’ Route 66
Hop into your ‘59 Edsel, throw back the top and hit the road. Route 66 is the national highway that inspired the American folk tales of Kerouac, Dylan and Steinbeck. Stop at famous landmarks (such as the home of the corn dog, locally known as the "cozy dog"), check out dream cars, and read famous tales of the road. All will become clear after you click on the "?" icon.
Ephemeral Films: 1931-1960
A collection of short films from the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s.
Each of the films in this collection are accompanied by commentary from media archeologist Rick Prelinger, who provides insights into the social context, producers and audience of each film. These films reveal both the timeless forces of American hegemony at their most blatant, and a cold war domestic fantasy lost to the annals of history.
500 Nations
That ambassador of Native American Culture, Kevin Costner (as indigenous as a CD-ROM), hosts this colorful tour through the histories and cultures of Native American peoples. Click on the culture of your choice in Homelands, then ride along through stories, interviews, pictures and other assorted media; for example, there is a recording of Inuit throat singing. Storytellers has videos and interviews with Native Americans. To hear Kevin Costner give a general perspective of Native American history, go to Pathfinders. This disk also includes a comprehensive Timeline
The Haldeman Diaries
During the Nixon presidency, H.R. Haldeman, his Chief of Staff, kept a detailed record of every day he spent in the White House. These diaries are collected here in their original unedited form. They give insight into the intimate workings of an American President and his advisers, and the depths they will descend to in times of desperation. Also includes: Nixon’s daily schedule, "home" movies filmed by Haldeman, photos, and biographies of all the people mentioned in the diaries.
The JFK Assassination: a Virtual Investigation
This CD allows you to be a detective on one of history’s most famous crimes. The detailed conspiracy theories included here may convince you of their actuality- in any case, this CD will give you an insight into the workings of politics in the 1960’s (including the extent of covert CIA operations) and the emotions and facts surrounding this investigation.
There are two full texts included in the CD: Crossfire by Jim Marrs and The Warren Commission Report. This allows you to compare and contrast the different historical accounts. If you are having trouble visualizing the scenarios, click on Analysis to see computer animated reenactments, complete with your choice of "camera" angle (including through the scope of Oswald’s gun). Also includes: photos of evidence; an aerial layout of scene; five home movies of the assassination. Search and Index will allow you to gather evidence on the details of your choice.
Nixon
Includes:
Passage to Vietnam
The photographs on this CD are truly breathtaking. Take a trip to Vietnam to learn what makes a good photograph from the world’s leading picture editors (Interactive Editing Sessions). Go to its Virtual Galleries where four award-winning photographers invite you to a retrospective of their work and tell you the stories behind some of their best pictures.
President Ronald Reagan: Well . . .There You Go Again!
This American president’s image left a permanent mark on the American psyche - to some he seemed a tough defender of American individual liberties to others he was a trigger-happy cowboy. In any case, there is no doubt that his charisma captivated the United States. In this CD-ROM you can watch his finest moments and make up your own mind. The focus is on his humorous remarks, but debates, inaugurations and other comments are also included.
The Road Ahead, Bill Gates
One should expect a lot from a CD-ROM with Bill Gate’s name on it. Founder of Microsoft, therefore one of the wealthiest and most powerful men in the world, gives us his version of what the future holds for us. The Road Ahead is his bird’s-eye view of the undiscovered territory on the information highway--an authoritative, thought-provoking, and very readable travel guide for the journey.
Smithsonian’s America
This is a guided tour through an exhibition of American photographs. You choose a subject, ranging from protest and politics to entertainment and fashion; Then sit back while the Smithsonian Institute gives you a subjective overview of the essence of America. Excellent photographs.
Soul Expedition: The 1960s
Wedding the tradition of Rhythm and Blues with a burgeoning rock ‘n roll sensibility, a handful of artists broke new musical grounds in the 1960s. Their rhythms constituted the birth of a music that is still as vibrant today as it was thirty years ago: soul. That revolutionary era is chronicled in the spectacular multimedia compilation Soul Expedition: The 1960s, from Rhino Records and Compton’s NewMedia. Now you can experience the music you love in a way you’ve never seen it.
Vietnam: A Visual Investigation
This CD includes information on the war from a wide variety of sources. The Timeline is a good place to begin - listen to the comprehensive narration, and than point and click at a point along the timeline for more information on a given subject. To hear the Experiences and Opinions of people affected by the war (infantry, journalists, protesters, the head if the CIA (William Colby),etc).- then click on photo for talking heads. Peoples, Places and Events brings textual and photographic information about a chosen subject. The Photo Gallery includes not only that, but also archival footage. Point and click here to watch GIs point and click. Finally, the Library includes a book on Vietnam by George Herring, plus "The Pentagon Papers" and other Governmental documents.
Wild West
An educational and entertaining CD-ROM program based on the famous television documentary mini-series The Wild West. This two-disk set presents edited versions of all ten episodes that you can watch in any order that you choose. Video, sound, digital photos and more are presented in an interactive setting that makes learning about America’s last frontier easy and enjoyable.
Willie: The Life and Music of Willie Nelson
Listen to Willie Nelson’s country western songs, listen to his friends talk about him, and get interview coverage of one of world’s most beloved singers.
Creative Writing
Storybook Weaver-Deluxe
Have trouble describing the dream where you fell off the moon with a ballerina and landed in a gutter in Katmandu with an orange armadillo and the grim reaper doing the cha-cha-cha on your head? Here’s your chance. This CD allows you to create your own story - choose from backgrounds, objects, people, sound effects, and music. Then write your text and move to the next page. This CD will inspire your creative - and comedic - impulses.
Language Learning
Community Exploration
This CD teaches you English through exploration of different areas in an American community. Click on an area of the city to explore. Once you have arrived, you can watch conversations, or click on an object to have it read and named on the screen.
ELLIS (4 discs in set)
The ELLIS line of products combines the technology of contemporary Computer Assisted Instruction with established instruction theories to produce the most innovative ESL program available. ELLIS products effectively utilize the computer for language learning, providing students with realistic situations and the ability to play an active role in the learning process.
Learning English: Primary - vol.1
Learning English: Neighborhood Life
These two CDs put the viewer in various contexts to learn English. You can go shopping, visit the neighborhood, etc. Very clear instructions.
TESOL/CELIA ‘96
Computer-enhanced language instruction produced by Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, Inc. (TESOL) and Computer-Assisted Language Learning Interest Section (CALL-IS), both leaders in distance education.
Word Stuff
Wordstuff is an interactive "word recognition book: -- a picture dictionary brought to life. Children can use the program to enlarge their vocabulary, reinforce word meanings, learn the key concepts of action words, opposites and noisy words. Its audio features help children learn letter sounds, and assist with pronunciation and enunciation in both English and Spanish.
Learning Games
Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?
The Throne of Timbuktu has been stolen from Bamako, and the A.C.M.E detective agency has hired you to find the thief. Your local source tells you that he has gone to climb the Summit of Pico Deaneto and evidence has been found: A note that reads "Columbus, Go for it-Love, Isabelle." Hmmm, Your mind races. You call your New York travel agent and book a flight to Madrid. "Mahvelous," she exclaims and you are off. This CD includes colorful pictures, music and facts about every location you visit. This is an entertaining game for adults and children alike. There is an instructional booklet with the CD which should answer any questions about the rules of the game.
The Oregon Trail
Go west, young mouse potato, the wild west still virtually exists. This CD simulates the technical journey the early pioneers made - buy your own supplies, hunt game, cross dangerous rivers.....and, this way, if you carelessly slaughter your entire family, just click the mouse and start over
Poetry in Motion
Hep! Hep! This CD is mellowrooni, Daddy-O. Poets doin’ what they do best- reciting, inciting, romanticizing the intangibles, etc. Some digables: Helen Adam-a psychedelic Scottish folk song, lots of references to frugging with cockroaches and rats. Hilarious. Amiri Baraka- "Nothing happening but out and way out." This poem includes a live band and moves, grooves and does it - enough said. Charles Bukowski- Decrepit, drunk, ornery and pretentious. I loved it. William S. Burroughs-Not for the faint of heart. His unforgettable rasp and prose go together like bone dust and snail slime, if you know what I mean. An American genius. Jim Carroll Rides that thin line between art and pathology. Another chapter in America’s obsession with America’s obsessions. Four Horsemen-Hold onto the reins. The text is a bunch of seemingly abstract doodles. And the poetry.... John Giorno- "I got here yesterday, I am here today, and I can’t wait to leave tomorrow."-An energetic distilling of the American mind. Ntozake Shange- very politicized, very funky, includes dance and music. Tom Waits- A blues lullaby performed by the poet king of the American underworld. Tragic and brilliant.
Poetry in Motion II
Same format as the first Poetry in Motion CD-ROM with performances by more of your favorite beat poets. Includes Amiri Baraka, Ted Berrigan, Charles Bukowski, Bob Homan, Rose Lesniak, Cookie Mueller, Peter Orlovsky, and lots more.
Bookworm
This is a collection of great American novels and poetry. After starting the program, choose a directory (an author) and then open a file (a work). If you click on the speaker symbol, it will read to you - If you click on something highlighted in red, it will bring you to an interpretation or definition. Click on the bottom corner of the page to turn it.
Living Books
Arthur’s Teacher Trouble
Follow Arthur as he overcomes the trials and tribulations imposed by his new teacher, Mr. Ratburn. By using the Living Book format (objects come alive when clicked upon), this CD does an excellent job of making learning fun. Also will read in Spanish.
The Cat Came Back
This is an interactive storybook about the wild adventures of a certain cat, who, against all odds, (you guessed it) comes back home. You can sing along with the story (we won’t laugh), choose different musical instruments, solve mysteries as to where the cat is, or write your own personalized feline adventures.
George Shrinks
This is a beautifully illustrated living book. George wakes up and realizes he is three inches tall. Instead of panicking, our brave hero has only one thing on his mind: how is he going to do his chores? Click on objects in the room for action and keep your eye on the lost spaceman.
Grandma and Me
A very cute living book concerning little critter, his grandma and a day at the beach. This one is aimed at young children, or beginning English language learners. It can also be played in French and German.
Interactive Storytime
This is another children’s book, considerably more primitive than the others we have in the center. Does have the capability of printing out a coloring book
Lassie
This is an interactive moviebook. It will read the book to you and if the picture has a curtain, click on it for a narrative movie short. Also has games and puzzles relating to the story.
Little Monster At School
This is a fun children’s CD. Click on Play in Story - then you can interact with Little Monster at school. As the riveting plot unfurls, click on any object, person, place or thing - and watch it tango!
Ruff’s Bone
Click on Play in Story. Follow Ruff as he loses, and finds, his bone. What could have been a simple story of canine desire and fulfillment, a quaint romantic comedy, becomes something more. . .well, bizarre. As you read along, click on any object and watch. This is the authors favorite CD. Don’t miss it.
Secret Garden
Allows you to read, interactively and play games as Mary delves into the lives of her uncle, Martha, Colin, more of your favorite characters, and the world of the mysterious garden. Enjoy this CD-ROM adapted version of Frances Dodgson Burnett’s timeless classic, the Secret Garden.
Sitting on the Farm
This is another interactive story book. It will read to you, or sing with you. It will also help you write your own story, or modify the one included. A detailed instruction book at the computer will help you to quickly master this program.
Cinemania
Trying to decide on a movie to rent? Start looking here for the answer and you may never make it out the door. This CD includes four texts full of reviews, and film clips, and dialog, and biographies of stars and . . . Very easy to use, just type in a title and go! If you can’t decide on anything, it even includes a roulette wheel of recommended movies. Great for movie buffs.
Compton’s Interactive Encyclopedia
Learn without limits from the wisdom of the ages to the latest discoveries, the keys to unlimited knowledge are now as close as your personal computer. Turn it on and watch as the look of wonder in a child’s eyes becomes a spark of comprehension, see a teenager discover the fascination of science, and revive your own thirst for knowledge.
Encarta
This is one of the best CD-ROM encyclopedias on the market. It is very easy to use - you can type in a topic, than while you are reading the text, or listening to the recording, or watching the video on your chosen topic, you can click to another related topic, ad infinum. Encarta also includes generalized search tools, guided tours of the encyclopedia, a game and other fun things to play with.
Events That Changed the World
This CD-ROM includes information on 60 events that changed the world. You can click on Who, When, or Where, which will bring you to indexes pertaining to an event.
The Guinness Multimedia Disc of Records
Biggest, Bitterest, Bloodiest. . . Easiest, Faintest, Farthest. . .Longest, Loudest, Lowest-These are the superlatives that drive men to eat bicycles. How would history have turned out if Hitler had strived to beat the world record for fastest turkey plucker? What demons haunt the man who has, at one time, held thirty world records? If I stood on my head, crocheting a hat for my pet iguana with my toes, while playing Bach’s concerto for harpsichord and flute on two kazoos in my nose-Would that be a world record? What does set the standard? None of these questions will be answered in this CD. You will find lots of fun facts, pictures, and videos. Read the instructions included in the box, or just start playing.
The Simon and Schuster D-Day Encyclopedia
The name says it all. You can choose a subject through the Index, which will bring you related texts, or the Media Tour, which contains photos, film, and radio shorts. The encyclopedia also contains a colorful Timeline, in a muralesque style, with an accompanying narration.
Time: Man of the Year
Since the twenties, Time magazine has chosen the man (and occasional woman) whom they felt had been the most influential that year. This CD includes all of these original articles. It is fascinating to look back and discover how these people were defined by the "Time" of their time. We clearly see how these individuals were portrayed, and shaped, by the media forces of their age. Also includes films and photographs.
Webster’s Interactive Encyclopedia
Just like the name says. Use this CD-ROM to look up what is on your mind.
Wilson Social Sciences Abstracts
Indexing and abstracting coverage 1/94-10/26/95. Indexing coverage 2/83-12/31/93.
Inside Independence Day
Explore the production of the most anticipated film of 1996! Inside Independence Day delivers an in-depth multimedia look at the advanced technology and brilliant visual effects involved in the making of Independence Day. Examine production art, model design and electronic storyboards and meet the producer, director, cast, and special effects teams behind this 1996’s biggest blockbuster hit!
Isaac Asimov’s The Ultimate Robot
Have you ever wondered if one day they will have a robot that can brush your teeth? Are you paranoid that one day this robot could rebel against your halitosis and replace your toothpaste with glue? Then this CD is for you. You can listen to Asimov debate the ethical and technical aspects of robotics, and read his stories and essays. Then you can build your own robot from the Tool Kit, and animate it. This CD also includes film clips from some of the most famous films about robots, computer animation and more.
Myst
A game of of amazing alternative reality. Myst is real. And like real life, you don't die every five minutes. If fact you don't die at all. Pay attention to detail and collect information, because those are teh pieces of teh puzzle that you'll use to uncover the secrets of Myst. The key is to lose yourself in this fantastic virtual exploration, and act and react as if you were really there.
The Sci-Fi Collection
Welcome to the world of interactive fiction. The story is yours to unravel. Every inquiry elicits response. Your every command evokes an action...or perhaps inaction...which may intrigue you further. It’s a world of suspense requiring word for word interpretation of a puzzling story only your imagination can solve. A world where curiosity could be the only thing to keep you alive. And knowing could "literally" kill you.
The American Studies Center of the Salzburg
Seminar