Reports on the development of the Individualized Instruction for Data Access System (IIDA), a computer system designed at Drexel University, which serves as an intermediary enabling users to perform complex tasks on another computer. Capabilities of the instruction mode and assistance mode are discussed. Fifteen references are cited. (EJS)

GLURP (Generalized Language for Understanding and Responding to People) is a mid-point version of a script-writing computer language which had been intended by the developers of the Information System for Vocational Decisions (ISVD). Because ISVD aimed at allowing the student user to control the order and quantity of data flow (in an English…

NLS-SCHOLAR is a prototype system that uses artificial intelligence techniques to teach computer-naive people how to use a powerful and complex editor. It represents a new kind of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) system that integrates systematic teaching with actual practice, i.e., one which can keep the user under tutorial supervision while…

Testing in an industrial setting of the Individualized Instruction for Data Access System--an intermediary system designed to train and assist users in conducting computer searches--demonstrates that end users can learn to do bibliographic searches through computer-assisted instruction that are as satisfactory as searches performed for them.…

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…

A description is provided of GUIDE-0, an experimental information system. The system serves as a bibliographic aid for students who are taking introductory computer science courses whose material is at least partially implemented via PLATO-IV lessons. Following a brief introduction to the system in Chapter I, the second Chapter describes the…

The overall organization of the Information System for Vocational Decisions (ISVD) script network is diagrammed and each component described: (1) systems scripts which help determine what part of the system the inquirer wants to use; (2) CAI scripts designed to teach the inquirer things related to career choice; (3) preference scripts which help…

This final report discusses certain parts of the successes and failures, strengths and weaknesses of the development of the Information System for Vocational Decisions (ISVD) in terms of their relevance to the issues within the area of computer-assisted instruction. A major focus is on the kinds of computer-assisted instruction that promote…

Ninety-six 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students, randomly selected to include equal numbers from each grade level, from both sexes, and from each ability quartile were randomly assigned to either experimental or control procedures. The experimental group used the computer to select courses, while the control group was assisted by the counselor.…

The Information System for Vocational Decisions (ISVD) places Boocock's (1967) Life Career Game in the core of its operating system. This paper considers the types of interaction that will be required of the system, and discusses the role that a career decision game might play in its total context. The paper takes an into-the-future look at the…

A new conception of computer-based instructional systems is presented in this design of a system that can deliver individualized information sequences not only to learners and trainees, but to reference workers, reviewers, etc. Underlying the system is a flexible data base organized into labelled, movable information blocks according to the…

Research and development work on the use of the SCHOLAR autotutorial, online system is described. Inference strategies used within the system are deductive, negative, and functional in character. A graphics package allows user to ask questions and give commands in English to control SCHOLAR's map display capability. The examples shown are for…

The Video Nova Authoring System (VNAS) was developed by computer programmers and instructional designers to provide noncomputer programmers with a tool to design interactive videodisc programs. VNAS allows the instructor complete design freedom, and although menu-driven, doesn't rely on preset lesson plans. Illustrations and sources for evaluation…

This report reviews and interprets activities carried out at the Center for Studies in Education and Development, Harvard Graduate School of Education, in support of the Information System for Vocational Decisions (ISVD) over a three year period. Included here are the contents, development, use so far, and potential of three specific datafiles…

The author asserts that financial support of guidance activities, the job of the counselor, and counselors themselves will all have to change if computerized guidance support systems are to come into widespread use. The potential costs, benefits, and operating economics are discussed. Needed educational reorganization is dealt with on several…