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…

Reports on an exploratory study which used tracking records and evaluation questionnaires to examine the ways students use a hypermedia system. Findings in the following areas are discussed: enjoyment, ease of use, perception of system control, actual search strategies, perceived purposive search strategies, and effectiveness of search strategies.…

Discussion of hypertext and its uses in the learning process focuses on an experiment in which undergraduate students used hypertext for computer-based learning about databases. Results of a survey of students which explored when and how they used the hypertext, for what purpose, and the types of searching they preferred are reported. (12…

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 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.…

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…

Describes and reports results of a project which used computer assisted instruction to teach public library users to search online databases directly. Tables of data provide information on the study participants; their reactions to the instruction both before and after a search session; and their attitudes toward paying for searches. (CLB)

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…

Describes study that was designed to explore whether elementary students of different ages could effectively use selected electronic information services. The performances of students in grades two-three and grades four-six in using an online encyclopedia are compared, examples of searches are presented, and suggestions for further research are…