Discusses the feasibility of building intelligent rule- or weight-based algorithms into general-purpose software for interactive thesaurus navigation. Previous research is surveyed; practical investigations in thesaurus navigation and query enhancement are described; and implications for automatic or intelligent thesaurus navigation are…

Discusses the interpretation of nominal compounds in the context of natural language processing for information retrieval. Knowledge-intensive algorithms that can successfully interpret compounds found in technical documents are described, and experiments are reported that indicate these algorithms may be unnecessary for improving retrieval…

Discusses issues involved in obtaining patents for computer software. Topics discussed include copyright protection; algorithms and other software processes within programs; the software industry and the effects of patenting; perspectives on software patents within higher education; cost factors; and the use of patents to control information…

Considers possibility of developing a computer tutor around an explicit concept-learning theory derived from machine learning techniques. Some problems with using the focusing (and similar) algorithms in this role are discussed and possible solutions are developed. Design for a guided discovery learning system for tutoring concepts is proposed.…

Explains the Intelligent Maintenance Training System that allows a nonprogramming subject matter expert to produce an interactive graphical model of a complex device for computer simulation. Previous simulation-based training systems are reviewed; simulation algorithms are described; and the student interface is discussed. (Contains 24…

The critical role of computers in scientific advancement is described in this panel report. With the growing range and complexity of problems that must be solved and with demands of new generations of computers and computer architecture, the importance of computational mathematics is increasing. Multidisciplinary teams are needed; these are found…

Categories of facilities utilization and scheduling requirements to be considered when using a heuristic approach to timetabling are described together with a nine-step algorithm and the computerized timetabling system, Timetable Schedules System (TTS); TTS utilizes heuristic approach. An example demonstrating use of TTS and a program flowchart…

Explores potential of mathematical theory of communication for information science and examines question of how to encode a message at time it is encountered for subsequent recall. Examples of problem, a prototype computer program and experiment, coding as embedding in associational nets, and nature of information are discussed. (Nine references.)…

Presented is a way to provide students with a review and an appreciation of the versatility of pointers in data structures by improvising with binary trees. Examples are described using the Pascal programing language. (KR)

The federal Escrowed Encryption Standard (EES) has been opposed by civil liberties advocates and the computer industry. The author argues that the standard does not threaten privacy as long as its use remains voluntary, alternative forms of encryption are allowed, and the power of government to intercept transmission is kept in check. (20…

Proposes a taxonomy to aid decision makers in selecting computer software consistent with their educational values regarding the nature of instruction and the use of information technology, based on beliefs about human development and learning. Characteristics of instruction, properties of software, and the congruence between them are discussed.…

Six articles on music and computing address development of computer-based music technology, computer assisted instruction (CAI) in ear training and music fundamentals, a machine-independent data structure for musical pitch relationship representation, touch tablet input device in a melodic dictation CAI game, and systematic evaluation strategies…