Provides highlights of topics and issues discussed at a conference that addressed the impact that modern information processing technology is having on engineering disciplines. Includes a list comparing 1980's emphasis to 1990's emphasis in mathematics, basic sciences, engineering fundamentals, economics, communications, humanities and social…

Suggests a model of human cognition by describing similarities between human and electronic computers. This model might guide the development of software so that it is sufficiently powerful and flexible to be of value to human computers as they construct new knowledge in chemistry. (JN)

Discusses the nature of expert systems, including various techniques they use to represent knowledge (such as production rules, semantic networks, frames, first-order logic, and others), system interactions, and such problem domains as science, medicine, computer configuration, trouble-shooting/repair, and oil/mineral exploration. Also discusses…

Describes technologies applicable for educational use, including computers, calculators, video storage, and word processing devices among others. Applications of the new technologies to basic skills in reading and comprehension are given. Three goals for the 1980s resulting from new information technologies are suggested. (JN)

The greatest challenge for information processing technology is the application of technology in improving the human condition. The need for university-industry cooperation to meet this challenge is addressed, focusing on International Business Machine's (IBM) Departmental Grant Program and other IBM programs. (JN)

Described is how teachers can use the Concept Structuring Analysis Technique (ConSAT) as a diagnostic, learning, and assessment task in teaching science. In essence, ConSAT assists students in organizing concepts on paper so that they may link what they already know to what they have to learn. The technique thus applies the philosophical notion of…

Discusses five approaches used by industry/colleges to provide local area network (LAN) capabilities in the analytical laboratory: (1) mixed baseband bus network coupled to a star net; (2) broadband bus network; (3) ring network; (4) star network coupled to broadband net; and (5) simple multiprocessor center. Part I (September issue) focused on…

A cadre of thinkers called cognitive scientists has been investigating some of the same issues that first possessed the Greeks. As did the Greeks, they seek to understand what is known, ponder the sources of knowledge, conjecture about the various vehicles of knowledge, reflect on language, and speculate on the nature of the activity of knowing.…

This paper discusses the concept of information literacy as the main framework within which the concept of computer literacy may be defined, describes in detail the design of a complete curriculum in information literacy intended for all students in elementary and junior high schools, and provides an example of this design with a specific learning…

Explores the central thesis of cognitive science that the mind is an information processor. Discusses the study of reading as an opportunity to gain insight into how that processor works. Provides several examples that illustrate some of the relationships between eye movement, short-term memory, and long-term memory. (TW)

Among the topics discussed relating to demands on business/industry/education resulting from the "pull" of the information explosion are: frontiers of knowledge, research on educational television, computer-based learning, intelligent videodiscs, quality of learning, science education/cognitive research, misconceptions, motivation,…

Scientists and students often believe that if they just think harder about a problem, a solution will follow. However, thinking about one's thinking, or using metacognition, can be a more productive expenditure of mental energy. Introducing students to metacognition allows them to discover the value of reflection. This article presents a lesson on…

An approach to skills analysis is described in which strategy and processing skills sufficient for task performance are represented as an information-processing routine. Each step in the routine is viewed as a utilization of a processing mechanism or primary process. Definitions of these processes represent hypotheses about the psychological…

Discusses the use of satellite data in physics classrooms. Describes the apparatus that can be used to collect and analyze data. Provides examples of how telemetry data transmitted by the satellite UoSAT-2 can be used not only in teaching physics, but also in geography, mathematics, and information technology. (TW)

Uses two studies to examine developmental and task effects in estimation problems. Results are discussed in terms of student and task characteristics and the implications of such variables on information processing model of learning. Implications for science teaching, learning problem diagnostics, and science curricula are also discussed. (TW)