Here is another approach to consider regarding CD-ROMs for schools.

Certainly, it needs to meet the needs of the teachers.  Consider making
your CD-ROM cross-disciplinary, with math, science, social studies, etc all
included. This will increase its use in the schools (particularly if it is
used in K-5) and make it more applicable to the classroom.  Teacher's may
have a hard time fitting in your particular topic area to their 'list of
things to be taught', but if you can use your topic to teach the
recommended competencies in each discipline, you can kill two birds with
one stone.  It should also help teachers work towards national curriculum
standards.  Teachers are under tremendous pressure to get their students to
these competencies, and often must exclude curricula not meeting those
standards.

You might consider seeking a development partner, rather than a company for
hire.  Working in conjunction with a university will improve fundability of
your project if you are seeking a grant, offer additional 'matching'
monies, and bring all the usual benefits of collaborative efforts.  Most
importantly, universities (particulary with ties to the Educational
Colleges) are actively involved in current research regarding learning
trends in new media, particularly for educational use in K-12.  For
example, you should be able to find a partner who can help you identify the
standards you need to meet, and help adapt your topic matter to meet those.
You should be freed up to be the subject matter specialist. Finally,
universities don't have the profit structure that many companies will, and
may help make your project more affordable. Maybe you'll even luck out and
find a graduate student willing to do the evaluation on your CD-ROM!

Just about all of the work we do is in collaboration with other partners
(including musuems).  It really is ideal for both sides... they get the
advantage of having our design background and educational design experience
in digital media, and we are able to apply our research and knowledge in
exciting public environments. In our case (we are in the College of
Agriculture and Home Economics) we usually forge partnerships that go
beyond the CD-ROM,web site or touch-screen kiosk, and are able share
resources and information on various topics.  You may be able to find a
partner at a university in your area.  If you need some help, contact me
directly and I would be happy to recommend some.

Regarding cost, a rule of thumb we use is generally $45-$80,000 for
development of the CD-ROM, exclusive of duplication, marketing and
packaging.  Marketing and distribution can truly be the hardest part, and
we've learned a lot in that area as well... don't plan a CD-ROM as a money
making opportunity, rather an excellent way to share your knowledge with a
new audience, in a new environment.

Finally, I would reiterate the importance (mentioned by Guy Hermann) of
exploring other media.  A website (or even DVD if the project will be
released in two years) may be better depending on your budget, the
availability of information at this time (will it need to be updated in 5
months?) and development partners. I have a simple website up (used as a
notes page for a presentation I gave on when to use what type of media)
that may help as you brainstrome in this process.  It is at
http://horizon.nmsu.edu/case99/

Before this gets too lengthy, I'll stop.  If you have additional questions
regarding CD-ROM development, marketing, or adapting to K-12 curriculum,
please feel free to contact me directly.
-----
Barbara Chamberlin, Media Specialist
Agricultural Communications
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM 88003
505/646-5659
fax: 505/646-3513
[log in to unmask]
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