This paper introduces Ontoolsearch, a new search system that can be employed by educators in order to find suitable tools for supporting collaborative learning settings. Current tool search facilities commonly allow simple keyword searches, limiting the accuracy of obtained results. In contrast, Ontoolsearch supports semantic querying of tool…

The project described is a renewal of earlier work on Individualized Instruction for Data Access (IIDA), a program designed at Drexel University to aid users in searching a database with the computer acting as assistant. This quarterly report discusses the evaluation of IIDA through user interaction. Two types of evaluation were performed:…

A research study investigated the validity of directly interfacing an uninitiated user with a complex, computerized batch processing system via a conversational, interactive language. A control group conducted mediated searches of the Educational Resources Information Center's (ERIC) files by consulting with an information specialist. Members of…

A brief summary of the progress and status of the Individualized Instruction for Data Access (IIDA) project is followed by a report dealing with two studies in the environment for which the system was intended. These field experiments were conducted with research engineers and chemists at two different Exxon Research and Engineering Company sites.…

A translating-computer-interface approach to providing a common, or virtual-system, mode of access to a network of heterogeneous online bibliographic retrieval systems has been investigated. Enhanced access to such systems by end users has been demonstrated through test usage of an experimental interface. A table-driven, rule-based message…

This paper focuses on the casual user's needs and problems in learning to search online retrieval systems. Such users are inclined to infrequent use, and are unlikely to have much interest or knowledge about the complexities of the system. The TRAINER program is designed to teach these users to search online, so that they may access information…

Trainee development, TRAINER programs, and dissemination strategies are treated in this summary of the TRAINER computer assisted learning program for scientists and other professionals who wish to do literature searches using online services. A discussion of TRAINER's rationale, design, constraints, and differing institutional implementations…

This paper presents the first comparative findings emerging from 20 individual case studies into the adoption, use, and effects of microcomputers in families. The 20 families are first described according to a number of key demographic characteristics--socioeconomic, nationality, parent occupations, number and ages of children, etc. An examination…

Presents summaries of research studies related to instructional computer use: three compare word processed and handwritten text of students with and without learning disabilities; one compares student retrieval skills using print and electronic encyclopedias; and one examines computer use by math and science teachers via data from a U.S. national…