Copyright: Exploring English 1.1a ® 1994-95 Greg Dixon


Title
 Main Menu for Exploring English

 Hypergraphics Hint


Exploring English
Exploring English 1.1

This is the main menu for Exploring English.  Have fun!

 General Information

 Menu for the Parts of Speech

 Menu for Style Topics

 List of Interesting Reference Books

 Register Your Copy of Exploring English

 Exit Exploring English


Introduction

 Why Study English

 Who Could Use Exploring English

 How to Use Exploring English

 What is Shareware

 How to Register

 The Dixon DesignWorks

 Knowledge Explorer Series

 Dispensing Agreements

 Survey Form


Why Study English

 True ease in writing comes from art,
       not chance,
 As those move easiest
       who have learned to dance.
                 — Alexander Pope, An Essay on Criticism

The ability to write clear and comprehensible sentences is probably the most important and useful skill in today's world. Essays, job applications, resumes, research papers, reports, and other written communication will be better received and respected if they are free of grammatical errors, misspelled words, and ineffective sentence structure.

In some situations, grammatical errors can prevent a paper from receiving a passing grade, cause you to be passed over for a job or promotion, or close the door to an academic institution. Consistently poor writing will pull down grades and limit opportunities.

English is a rich and varied language that permits considerable latitude for creative expression: few of the rules of grammar are written in stone.  However, there is a great difference between blundering ahead in the dark with little regard for convention and choosing to use language in an effective, though unconventional manner.  The more options the writer has to choose from, the better the writing.

The philosophy behind Exploring English is that the first step in understanding how effective sentences are constructed is to identify the parts that work together to create a sentence.  The tutorial portion of this program is designed to help the user become familiar with the terms used to discuss language.  The tutorial, based on definitions and examples, uses menus, hypertext, and hypergraphics to provide many options that spare the user from the tedium of a purely sequential tutorial.


Who Could Use Exploring English

Exploring English is intended to provide insight into the English language for people who use English, including advanced ESL students, secondary students, post-secondary students, and writers.

Younger students and new ESL students would benefit from introductory instruction before expanding their horizons with Exploring English.


How to Use Exploring English

Exploring English provides a point-and-click presentation of material concerning the English language.  The interface uses hypertext and hypergraphics to allow you to navigate quickly through the many topics.

Please take the time to try some of the menu options such as Contents, Search, Back, History, Bookmark, and Annotate.

See Help on Help

The Exploring English window can be resized or minimized allowing it to be used as an online reference when using other Windows programs such as word processors.  It may be possible to add a button to the button bar of your favourite word processor to launch Exploring English.  Please see the documentation for your application.


What is Shareware

Shareware is a distribution strategy that embraces the "try before you buy" philosophy.  You are permitted and encouraged to try the program and copy it for your friends for the purpose of evaluation.  A normal evaluation period is 30 days.  After 30 days you should either register your copy or cease using the program.  Prolonged use of unregistered shareware is a violation of international copyright laws.  Registering your copy will provide the following benefits:

•	You will receive the newest version of the program.

•	You will be eligible for technical support.

•	You will be put on a mailing list for news of upgrades.

•	You may receive evaluation copies of related software.

•	You will encourage further development of related products.

Exploring English is priced to provide good value.  Please show your appreciation by registering your copy now.

 How to Register Exploring English


Register
How to Register

Please register your copy of Exploring English.  You will receive the latest version of this program and support.

Please send cheque, money order, or institution purchase order to:

The Dixon DesignWorks
503 East 19th Street
North Vancouver, BC  V7L 2Z7
CANADA

 Use Form Template

 See CompuServe Shareware Registration Service

Prices:
Single User License	$ 40
20 User License	$100
100 User License	$200
Institution License	$500
Dispensing Kit (10 disks)	$ 40  See Dispensing Agreements.

Note:  All prices include shipping and handling.

Please contact The Dixon DesignWorks at 71601.3105@CompuServe.com

for information on this and related products.


CompuServe Shareware Registration

Registration number:  2888

You can register your copy of Exploring English through the Shareware Registration Service on CompuServe.

On CompuServe, GO SWR to use the registration service.  You can search by registration number (2888),  by title (Exploring English 1.0), or by keywords (ENGLISH, GRAMMAR, HYPERTEXT,...).

You will be prompted for shipping and ordering information and given many opportunities to cancel.  Once you commit the order, the amount of the purchase will be applied to your CompuServe account and the shipping information sent to The Dixon Designworks.  The Dixon Designworks will mail a disk containing the latest version of Exploring English, redistribution files to allow the program to run under Windows 3.0, a receipt, and other benefits of being a registered user.

 See What is Shareware

 See New Releases on CompuServe


New Releases on CompuServe

New releases of Exploring English will by uploaded to the Windows Shareware Forum as they become available.

 Use GO WINSHARE on CompuServe to join the forum, then search for ENGLISH, GRAMMAR, HYPERTEXT, etcetera to locate the file.  Be sure to check the description to see if the version is newer than the one you have before downloading!

 See CompuServe Shareware Registration Service


Dixon DesignWorks
The Dixon DesignWorks

Memberships:  AACE, ESC

The Dixon DesignWorks was founded by Greg Dixon in 1987.  The main function of the company was to develop and market English Structure and Style, a menu-driven tutorial that provided the basis for Exploring English.

English Structure and Style was sold by direct mail to secondary schools, school boards, and colleges across North America.

The Dixon DesignWorks was 'parked' for a few years while Greg Dixon pursued a successful career as a Systems Engineer with SHL Systemhouse, Inc..

Greg Dixon recently 'unparked' The Dixon DesignWorks to begin development of multimedia educational materials.  Exploring English is the first product of the Knowledge Explorer Series.

The Dixon DesignWorks will collaborate with a number of specialists to create other Explorer titles.  Please feel free to contact Greg Dixon if you are interested in collaborating on other titles using this medium.


Knowledge Explorer Series

Exploring English is just the first of a series of hypertext adventures into other subject areas.  Projects in the works are:

Exploring British Columbia
Exploring English as a Second Language
Exploring Libraries
Exploring Literature
Exploring Spanish

Other projects under consideration are:

Exploring Canadian Literature
Exploring English Literature
Exploring Russian Literature
Exploring Trees

Each Knowledge Explorer program will be designed to provide an introduction to a subject and to encourage people to explore the subject further.


Dispensing Agreement
Dispensing Agreements

The Dixon DesignWorks will provide Dispensing Kits to bookstores, individuals, and organizations interested in dispensing Exploring English floppy disks for a small dispensing fee.  The dispensing fee must not exceed $10 and does not constitute a registration fee.  The purchaser of each disk is responsible for registering Exploring English according to the usual shareware agreement.   The purchaser will receive a $10 discount to offset the dispensing fee.

Dispensing Kit Contents:

•	1 Dispensing Kit Agreement Form

•	Promotional Materials

•	10 Distribution Disks (3.5" 1.44 MB High Density)

•	10 Registration Fee Discount Coupons for $10 off

IMPORTANT:  The Dispensing Agreement and dispensing fee are intended to compensate distributors for handling and processing disks created by The Dixon DesignWorks without imposing additional costs on the user.  Anyone is permitted and encouraged under the usual shareware agreement to distribute the files to others without charge.  It is the extended use of the software that is protected by international copyright laws.  See What Is Shareware.

Please contact The Dixon DesignWorks if you were sold this software under the following conditions:

•	You were charged more than $10 for the disk

•	You were not informed of the conditions of shareware

•	You did not receive a Discount Coupon

•	The distribution disk or coupon appears to be pirated

NOTE:  The Dispensing Kits can be used to distribute disks to individuals covered under a licensing agreement.  For example:

An institution licensing Exploring English for use in a language training program may choose to provide each student with a personal disk to take home.   The students will not need to register their copy of Exploring English as long as they are enroled in the program.

Please contact The Dixon DesignWorks if you would like more information.


Survey Form

Please take a few moments to complete the electronic survey form.

We want to know how you use Exploring English, how well it meets your needs, what features you would like to see, and what programs you would like to see developed.

 Use Survey Form

You can mail the form to:

The Dixon DesignWorks
503 East 19th Street
North Vancouver, BC  V7L 2Z7

Or you can send the information via electronic mail addressed to:

71601.3105@CompuServe.com

Your input will help us make products that better serve your educational software needs.


Bibliography

The following books are recommended for your bookshelf.

 Figures of Speech

 Harper Dictionary of Contemporary Usage

 The Collins English Dictionary

 The Elements of Style

 The Gregg Reference Manual

 The New Strategy of Style

 The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations

 The Story of English

 The Tao of Pooh

 Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance


Figures of Speech
Figures of Speech: 60 ways to turn a phrase

Arthur Quinn
Salt Lake City:  Peregrine Smith, 1982

Wayne Booth said it best:

"Quinn has managed to do what I would have thought impossible:  turned a discussion of dozens of rhetorical figures - hyperbaton, hendiadys, isolcolon - into a book that is a delight to read - and a living refutation of most current rules of style.  Offering examples that range from the Bible through Shakespeare and James Joyce to Joe Jacobs, he quietly and wittily demonstrates that - but why should I, by giving away his show, commit hysteronprotoron?"
(cited from the cover of Figures of Speech)


Harper Dictionary of Contemporary Usage

William and Mary Morris
New York: Harper and Row, 1985

A usage handbook that is both useful and fun!  The authors pose difficult usage questions to a panel of 166 contemporary writers, editors, and other distinguished language experts.  Some of the disagreements and explanations are downright entertaining.


Collins English Dictionary

London, 1979.

A good dictionary is the most valuable reference book a person can own and should always be within reach while writing or reading.  The Collins English Dictionary is precise and extensive.


The Elements of Style

William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White.
New York: Macmillan, 1979.

A concise and invaluable guide to style that should be next to the dictionary.


The Gregg Reference Manual

William A. Sabin (ed.).
3rd Canadian Edition adapted by Sheila A. O'Neill.
Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd., 1986.

A thorough and well indexed reference that covers just about every aspect of writing, including grammar and spelling rules, standard forms, word processing terms, and techniques for editing and proofreading.


The New Strategy of Style

Winston Weathers and Otis Winchester
New York: McGraw-Hill, 1978.

A highly detailed examination of the art of composition for advanced students.


The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations

New York:  Oxford University Press, Third Edition, 1980

A dictionary of quotations from various historical figures.  This and similar books provide a good source of useful, interesting, and amusing quotes.

 See Sample Quotations


The Story of English

Robert McCrum, William Cran, and Robert MacNeil
 New York: Viking Penguin Inc., 1986

The Story of English takes you through the history of the English language to help explain the rich diversity of spoken and written English around the world.


The Tao of Pooh

Benjamin Hoff
New York:  Dutton, 1989

Benjamin Hoff uses the A. A. Milne's stories about the adventures of Winnie the Pooh (and friends) to explain Chinese philosophy.  The writing is fresh, entertaining, and illuminating.


Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

 Robert Pirsig
 New York: Bantam, 1974

A brilliant novelistic inquiry into values that apply to writing and other human endeavours.  Recommended for all students of life.  The book also provides an excellent survey of philosophy, especially the philosophy of science.


Hypergraphics
Hint:
Most of the graphics in this program have hotspots that cause jumps to other topics when selected with the mouse.  Happy clicking!


AACE
Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education

The Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE) is an international organization dedicated the study and promotion of computing in education.  AACE publishes a number of journals and sponsors Ed-Media, an annual conference held in a different international city every year.  For more information, please contact:

Angela Bradley
Membership Services Manager
AACE Membership Services
P.O. Box 2966
Charlottesville, VA 22902 USA
E-Mail: 	AACE@virginia.edu
Voice: 	804-973-3987
Fax: 	804-978-7449


Chaatl
Chaatl, Haida Gwaii

Chaatl is an abandoned Haida village site on the west coast of Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands).  The village site is on a small island between Graham Island and Moresby Island.  Most of the inhabitants died of smallpox.


Contact Greg Dixon

Internet mail:  71601.3105@CompuServe.com
Phone:           604-985-8261
Address:        503 East 19th St., North Vancouver, BC  V7L 2Z7
                     CANADA


ESC
Educational Software Cooperative

In their own words:

"ESC was organized in 1992 as a forum for educational software authors to help each other. Educational software is one of the most popular and fastest-growing categories of software. Since people who purchase educational software normally purchase lots of it, educational software authors are not necessarily in direct competition with each other. They have little to lose and much to gain by organizing to share ideas for distribution, advertising, and sales.

Software Distributors, BBS Sysops, and all others interested in educational software are also invited to have equal membership in the ESC. All members work together in the ESC to promote educational software.

Our members' educational software titles are available on a CD-ROM which can be purchased through many of the Author and Vendor members, as well as by mail order and in retail stores. The ESC expects to produce a new CD approximately every six months.

The ESC currently publishes a newsletter approximately bimonthly. This newsletter contains articles written by ESC members along with tips and suggestions for better ways to write and market software, and software industry news.

Our activities have included a booth and luncheon at the Shareware Industry Conference (SIC) in Indianapolis, and participation in trade organization events at the Summer Shareware Seminar (SSS) in Atlanta. We work with other trade associations on issues, such as software ratings, that affect the industry as a whole.

The ESC annual membership dues are $25.00. This fee is used to cover the cost of operations. The ESC is a nonprofit organization, and became incorporated in June 1994. The purposes of the Corporation, as stated in the Bylaws, are: To advance the mutual benefit of authors, publishers, dealers and distributors of educational software; to voluntarily cooperate formally and informally with each other to better develop, advertise, distribute and sell our educational software; to provide the public with information regarding the benefits, uses, and availability of educational software."

For more information, please contact:

Educational Software Cooperative
PO BOX 575
Siloam Springs, AR  72761

More information and application forms are also available in the Education Forum on CompuServe (GO EDFORUM).


Exploring British Columbia

Exploring British Columbia will use maps, digital photographs, text, and other multimedia elements to present some interesting aspects of British Columbia, Canada.

See Mount Robson

See Chaatl


Exploring English as a Second Language

Exploring English as a Second Language will use sound, graphics, text and other multimedia elements to introduce the alphabet, sounds, and basic vocabulary to students new to English.  The program assumes minimal or no prior exposure to English.


Exploring Libraries

Exploring Libraries will use multimedia and hypermedia elements to introduce students to the rich resources of a modern library.

Students will learn about the role of librarians, card catalogs, cataloguing systems, on-line terminals, audio/visual materials,  reference materials, periodicals, and much more.


Exploring Literature

Exploring Literature will encourage students to explore the rich world of the written word, from comics to classics.  The program will introduce various types of literature as well as a number of critical (and noncritical) approaches to reading literature.


Exploring Spanish

Exploring Spanish will use sound, graphics, and text to illustrate the Spanish language.  The program will feature scenarios and idioms to expect when conducting business or travelling in different Latin American countries.


Mount Robson

 Mount Robson can be seen from the Yellowhead Highway near Jasper and the Alberta / British Columbia provincial border.


Version Notes

This section contains information about additions and modifications of new releases.

1.1 February 1995

- New logo and title screen
- More information about possible titles in the Knowledge Explorer Series.
- Use of SHOWBMP.DLL and SHOWJPG.DLL (graphics not no longer compatible with Windows 3.0)

1.1a March 1995

- Reference to Exploring Spanish
- User survey form


AACE

<AACE>


Annotate

Annotate allows you to leave notes in a Topic.  The Annotate option is found on the Edit pull-down menu.  A small paperclip will appear in the topic as a reminder that there is a note attached.  Click on the paperclip with the mouse to read or edit the note.


Back

Back will take you to the Topic you just came from.  This is the main way of returning from a Topic.


Bookmark

Bookmark allows you to put a place marker in a topic to allow you to return quickly via a list of Bookmarks built as you use the feature.


Chaatl

<Chaatl>


contact Greg Dixon

<Contact Greg Dixon>


Contents

The Contents menu button will take you to the main menu for the section you are in.   If feeling lost, try using Contents.  Note:  Exploring English is structured into three main sections -  main, parts of speech, and style elements.  Using Contents will take you to main menu of the section you are in.


ESC

<ESC>


ESL

(acronym).  English as a Second Language.


Exploring British Columbia

<Exploring British Columbia>


Exploring English as a Second Language

<Exploring English as a Second Language>


Exploring Libraries

<Exploring Libraries>


Exploring Literature

<Exploring Literature>


Exploring Spanish

<Exploring Spanish>


History

History provides a list of all of the Topics you have visited.  You can double-click on a topic in the History list to jump there.


hypergraphics

The use of 'hot-spots' to link graphics with pop-up definitions, jumps to other topics, and other actions.


hypertext

The use of 'hot-spots' to link highlighted text with pop-up definitions, jumps to other topics, and other actions.


Knowledge Explorer Series

<Knowledge Explorer Series>


menus

A mechanism for providing options within a program.  The File, Edit, and Help items near the top of this screen are examples of pull-down menus.


Mount Robson

<Mount Robson>


multimedia

Multimedia uses varied media such as graphics, sound, and video to present ideas.   The shareware releases of titles in The Knowledge Explorer Series will use multimedia elements sparingly so that users with modest hardware can still enjoy the programs.


philosophy

Philosophy relates to the rational study of knowledge, values, or codes of conduct.


Search

Search provides an alphabetical list of keywords to help you find a Topic.  Multiple Topics are sometimes linked to a single keyword.


See Dispensing Agreements

<Dispensing Agreement>


See What Is Shareware

<What is Shareware>


SHL Systemhouse

0,An international Systems Integration / Computer Consulting company based in Ottawa.