Describes Hermes, a research tool that uses specially designed acquisition, parsing and presentation methods to integrate information resources on the Internet, from searching in disparate bibliographic databases, to accessing full text articles online, and developing a web of information associated with each reference via one common interface.…

Identifies and describes methods of compiling datasets, search interfaces and etymological metaphors and mythologies of three of the first generation of automated indexing systems: archie, veronica, and robots and search engines. (Author/JKP)

Discusses the underutilization of computerized systems in human services practitioners' work and presents the Graphical Case Record, developed at a child development center in Israel, as a computerized interface congruent with practitioner work style, supportive of professional treatment standards, and easy to use. (Author/LRW)

Discusses interface agents and online help systems, focusing on Microsoft's animated office assistants. Highlights include intermediaries such as librarians in off-line reference problems; user complaints about online help systems; navigation problems; evaluation of the online office assistants; and categories of user queries to online help…

Identifies user interface problems as they relate to computer-assisted instruction (CAI); reviews the learning theories and instructional theories related to CAI user interface; and presents potential CAI user interface improvements for research and development based on learning and instructional theory. Focuses on screen design improvements.…

Outlines the generic features of enterprise information portal applications, or corporate portals, which provide users with access to internal and external information resources through a customizable Web browser interface. Examines approaches being taken by vendors, many of whom are adapting software developed for document management and…

Discusses interface issues related to challenges of instruction facilitation and student participation and performance in an Internet-accessible online course. Topics include creating a learning metaphor, including the course syllabus; navigation processes, including interaction style; and usability evaluation by students. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the interaction between students and technology in online open learning distance education courses. Topics include human-computer interfaces; relationships between course design and learning theories; how students use computer technology and how it can help them learn; and a new framework for evaluating an online open learning course.…

Defines digital library collections and outlines two classes of collection metadata. Describes the Alexandria Digital Library (ADL) Project approach to collection metadata, including the ADL system architecture and collection guidelines and the format and use of the ADL collection metadata. Appendices include ADL collection metadata and example.…

Examines the developmental needs for Web-based courses, focusing on content, user interface, and pedagogy. Studies the Web course development process as a system, explores various stages in the process, and includes graphs and tables designed to be used as management tools for the effective development of Web-based courses. (Author/LRW)

The Open Video Project is an ongoing effort to develop an open source digital video collection that can be used by the information retrieval, digital library, and digital video research communities and ultimately serve a broader audience. Discusses the challenges of compiling and maintaining such a collection. Describes the user interface…

Simulations currently play a key role in facilitating competency training for incident commanders of the emergency services. The article briefly reviews current practice in incident command training and considers the effectiveness of simulation usage and practice for crisis management more generally.

The current historical moment is marked by the gradual transition from a print culture to a digital new media culture, and this shift carries material effects for how education research contexts are perceived and represented. This discussion uses the concept of materiality to demonstrate how the conceptualization of inquiry through digital…

The University of Maryland University College (UMUC) serves a dispersed patron base, and its library has developed, over time, a circulation system for distributing physical research materials to its patrons throughout the United States. This article discusses the development of this system and its associated interface/database management system…

Interactive whiteboards have made quite a splash in classrooms in recent years. When a computer image is projected on the whiteboard using an LCD projector, users can directly control the computer from the whiteboard. In some systems such as Smart and Mimio, the finger is used in place of a mouse to open and run programs or move windows around. In…