Argues that current approaches to computer graphing practices are ill suited to meet the complex needs of real users. Offers an overview of work in two major areas of graphing theory and research: the sociology of science and the educational research of mathematics and scientific students. Suggests what technical communicators can do to improve…

Describes the linguistic phenomenon of anaphora; surveys the approaches to anaphora undertaken in theoretical linguistics and natural language processing (NLP); presents results of research conducted at Syracuse University on anaphora in information retrieval; and discusses the future of anaphora research in regard to information retrieval tasks.…

Describes the design and operation of two macros written in the programming language of Microsoft's EXCEL for educational research applications. The first macro determines the frequency of responses to a Likert-type questionnaire or multiple-choice test; the second performs a one-way analysis of variance test. (Author/LRW)

Discusses current use of psychological theory in software science and reviews recent developments in cognitive psychology relevant to programing (human information processing, expert-novice differences). Critique of Maurice Halstead's model of cognitive aspects of programing and a structured data flow perspective (control flow and data flow…

This annual review article examines the automated library system marketplace from four perspectives: turnkey circulation systems, library-developed software which may be purchased by other libraries, the microcomputer segment of market, and production of COM catalogs. Addresses of 86 turnkey vendors, software vendors, library-developed systems,…

A survey of 328 educators to determine trends in administrative computing shows that most administrators have microcomputers, and the most popular use of computers is for keeping student records. Hardware and peripheral equipment currently used and being considered for purchase are described, and budget information is also presented. (LRW)

Surveys current state-of-the-art in courseware development for microcomputers; discusses guidelines for overall program and screen display design; describes three major approaches to developing courseware--programing language, authoring system, or authoring language use; and reviews two current research areas--automated instructional development…

This annual review article examines the progress made and pitfalls encountered by the automated library system marketplace during calendar year 1984. Total marketplace activity is represented by events that occurred in four segments: turnkey systems, library-developed software, software designed to run on microcomputers, and production of…

Examines the relationship between student participation in structured activities and academic success at school; discusses the use of computers in schools; and describes a study that investigated 220 students in 3 high schools to determine relationships between participation in structured activities and successful computer use in school. (Contains…

Examines the current status and future directions of information technologies and informatization processes in Latin American countries. Topics discussed include the diffusion of information technologies, foreign trade, local production of computer hardware and software, information policies, and regional cooperation. (23 references) (CLB)

Describes the design and exploratory use of an interactive hypertext program, SKEIM (Shell for Knowledge Engineering, Instruction, and Measurement), that was developed to record university students' review strategies of a set of lecture notes. Topics discussed include domain experts; navigation; text display guidelines; and the relationship of…

Describes a study of 647 preservice teachers in Ontario that used the Computer Ability Survey (CAS) to assess 4 components of computer literacy: software ability, awareness, programming skill, and perceived control. Correlations and validity for the CAS are discussed, and results of a principal-components factor analysis are reported. (Contains 39…

Reviews recent research on cooperative computer-based instruction (CBI) and discusses findings related to achievement levels and ability, patterns of study, social interchange, motivation and attitudes, and gender differences. Guidelines for the implementation of cooperative CBI are presented, and implications for software designers are suggested.…

Discusses the integration of different media and describes Bunkyo Museum of Literature, a hypermedia system developed in Japan. A study that tested the instructional effectiveness of the system with college students is described, including results related to level of interest, learning of factual information, and degree of perceived participation.…

Discusses evolution of ergonomics and development of computer ergonomics with its sub-fields of hardware ergonomics (user-equipment-related problems including workstation design); software ergonomics (problems in communication with computers); and peopleware ergonomics (psychological impact). Ergonomic features of VDTs, keyboards, and printers are…