In this article, Michael F. Shaughnessy, Contributing Editor of this journal, interviews David Dockterman, Chief Architect, Learning Sciences, at Scholastic Education, where he provides guidance on turning research into practical programs. Dockterman was one of the founders of Tom Snyder Productions, a leading educational software developer and…

Michael W. Allen, the Chairman and CEO of Allen Interactions, is an architect of interactive multimedia learning and is recognized for his many insights, inventions, and presentations. With over 50 years of experience in e-learning, both in academic and corporate settings, he is known for his role in creating Authorware and overseeing the work of…

Susan M. Fulgham and Michael F. Shaughnessy, Contributing Editors for this journal, present their interview with Marcia C. Linn, Professor of Development and Cognition, specializing in education in mathematics, science, and technology, in the Graduate School of Education at the University of California, Berkeley. Linn is currently investigating…

This article discusses Research Blogging, a community-run nonprofit organization that is promoting a suite of blogging software to scholars. Research Blogging itself does two things. First, it extends an invitation to a community, and it is open to anyone. Second, it requires its users to follow guidelines. The combination of rigorous guidelines…

Blogs, which began as a way to easily post one's thoughts online in print, have evolved to include multimedia capabilities. A blog is not limited to text--audio and video can be incorporated. A video blog (commonly called a vlog) is a blog that uses video in its posts. People who create vlogs are vloggers, and the worldwide community of vlogs and…

Describes a model for dynamic electronic performance support systems based on NNAble, a system developed by the training group at Apple Computer. Principles for designing dynamic performance support are discussed, including a systems approach, performer-centered design, awareness of situated cognition, organizational memory, and technology use.…

Discusses the problem of processing fuzzy queries in databases and information retrieval systems and presents a prototype of a fuzzy query processing system for databases that is based on data clustering and uses Pascal programing language. Clustering schemes are explained, and the system architecture that uses natural language is described. (14…

Outlines the basic nature of performance support and describes a generic model that can be used to facilitate electronic performance support system (EPSS) development. Performance measures are discussed; performance support guidelines are summarized; and a case study of the use of an EPSS is presented. (LRW)

Discusses data modeling techniques for the design of information systems and presents the idea of defining a kernel for object role modeling (ORM) techniques upon which different drawing styles can be based. Highlights include syntactical and semantic aspects of the ORM kernel; entity relationships; and the NIAM modeling technique. (50 references)…

Discussion of computerized simulation games focuses on the organization and use of data dictionaries to support more flexible development and maintenance of game administration systems and participants' decision support systems. The roles of game designers, game administrators, and game participants are discussed. (12 references) (LRW)

Discussion of performance support focuses on Canada's Bell-Northern Research's views of embedded performance support systems. The establishment of a corporate center of excellence for performance support system (PSS) development is explained; a pilot project is described; and a business case showing the benefits of implementing a PSS is presented.…

Discusses software sharing on computer networks and the need for proper bandwidth; and describes the technology behind FidoNet, a computer network made up of electronic bulletin boards. Network features highlighted include front-end mailers, Zone Mail Hour, Nodelist, NetMail, EchoMail, computer conferences, tosser and scanner programs, and host…

Discussion of the use of microcomputers in political campaigns focuses on the Jesse Jackson presidential primary campaign in New York State in 1988. User needs analysis is described, guidelines for the organization of a campaign information system are suggested, and the use of microcomputers for voter targeting is described. (LRW)

Discussion of the preparation of knowledge for problems appropriate for expert systems focuses on relationships among problem attributes and their solutions through the creation of a solution matrix. Two examples are given, one for wine selection and one for decisions that an automobile manufacturer's sales force might have to make. (LRW)

Describes performer-centric interface design and explains a model-based approach for conducting performer-centric analysis and design. Highlights include design methodology, including cognitive task analysis; creating task scenarios; creating the presentation model; creating storyboards; proof of concept screens; object models and icons;…