A framework connecting concepts from user interface design with those from information studies is applied in a study that integrated a location-aware mobile application into two special education classes at different schools; this application had two support modes (one general and one location specific). The five-month study revealed several…

In many industrial tasks a complex, interactive process must be controlled by a human operator in real-time, with or without the aid of a computer. In order to allocate functions between man and machine at the design stage, a model of human behavior and performance in such tasks is required. Progress towards such a model is analyzed. (Author)

Advances in factory computerization (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) are reviewed, including discussions of robotics, human factors engineering, and the sociological impact of automation. (JN)

Students using microcomputers for extensive periods of time are prone to the same problems as those experienced by video display terminal operators. Suggested guidelines include adjustable furniture and equipment, avoidance of eye strain, control of screen brightness and contrast, and specially prescribed glasses. (MLF)

The principal human factors engineering issue in robotics is the division of labor between automation (robots) and human beings. This issue reflects a prime human factors engineering consideration in systems design--what equipment should do and what operators and maintainers should do. Understanding of capabilities and limitations of robots and…

Short descriptions of NSF support for the State University of New York computer network, one year trial of educational materials from the United Kingdom's Open University, A Dartmouth course on control of life, Stanford action on a course on dysgenics, and a bioengineering program at Texas A&M. (TS)

This report describes PROUST, a computer-based system for online analyses and understanding of PASCAL programs written by novice programmers, which takes as input a program and a non-algorithmic description of the program requirements and finds the most likely mapping between the requirements and the code. Both the theory and processing techniques…

Human factors engineering can be defined as the application of scientific principles, methods, and data drawn from a variety of disciplines to the development of engineering systems in which people play a significant role. Since human factors issues arise in every domain in which humans interact with the products of a technological society, six…

This report is a collection of 11 recent papers by the Human-Machine Interaction Group at the University of California, San Diego. The following papers are included: (1) "Stages and Levels in Human-Machine Interaction," Donald A. Norman; (2) "The Nature of Expertise in UNIX," Stephen W. Draper; (3) "Users in the Real…

Traces how technological changes affect the architecture of the workplace. Traces these effects from the industrial revolution up through the computer revolution. Offers suggested designs for the computerized office of today and tomorrow. (JM)

These 19 papers review current research and development work related to the operation of the instructor's station of training systems, with emphasis on developing functional station specifications applicable to a variety of simulation-based training situations. Topics include (1) instructional features; (2) instructor/operator station research and…

This five-article section discusses changes in the management of the school library resulting from use of the computer. Topics covered include data management programs (record keeping, word processing, and bibliographies); practical applications of a database; evaluation of "Circulation Plus" software; ergonomics and computers; and…

This collection of papers represents the developmental research as well as the thrust of the Regional Laboratory's (UMREL) program. UMREL has been developing behaviorally engineered educational environments through a cross-disciplinary effort in education and the behavioral sciences. The program began with the establishment of demonstration…

Computer-managed instruction (CMI) makes possible education which is individualized, adaptive, multi-mediated and student-controlled. CMI, however, is not yet successful and part of the reason for the failure is that the human aspects of the programs have been poorly managed. This situation can be remedied if the systems designers can learn to…

This paper provides an overview of past research on training employees for computer-mediated work. Recent literature is reviewed and critically analyzed using a four-part framework of individual differences and skill acquisition: sociodemographic factors, abilities and motivation, task constraints, and the man-technology interface. Furthermore, a…