A user-oriented computer-based information retrieval system which would not require a computer specialist as an interface between computer and user was developed. The PLATO system was chosen because it was a high-speed computer-based man-machine interaction system with convenient visual display, keyset input device, versatile programing…

This 21-paper collection examines various issues in electronic networking and conferencing with computers, including design issues, conferencing in education, electronic messaging, computer conferencing applications, social issues of computer conferencing, and distributed computer conferencing. In addition to a keynote address, "Computer…

This report describes the development of computer programs called user agents, which, through interaction with users, can either learn new facts and store them in a data base or learn new procedures for data manipulation and represent them as programs. These programs are written in RITA, the Rule-directed Interactive Transaction Agent system, and…

Describes a technique for providing truly interactive online database searches for requestors from other locations by searching via telephone conference. (CWM)

This paper reviews the current extent of, research into, and future expectations for the use of online bibliographic retrieval systems by untrained end users rather than by trained search intermediaries. Six sections cover: (1) studies of direct end user searching, done primarily with students or persons in highly technical fields; (2) problems to…

The Teacher-Interactive Computer System (TICS) is an on-line and interactive programing system for authoring interactive programs, particularly instructional programs. The system provides a fairly natural language, in which the author's statements for creating items in a program, for examining the structure and flow, for simulating its use by…

This update covers the approximate time period from mid-1980 through late 1981, contains 640 references, and includes books, state of the art reviews, program descriptions, use studies, periodical articles, and the proceedings of four conferences on information retrieval. (Author/JL)

A description is provided of the Experimental Time-Sharing System (ETSS), a multi-language, general-purpose time-sharing system designed to support a wide range of computing applications. Included among these are the control of an on-line behavioral research laboratory. Major topics discussed in the report are: 1) the system's hardward…

Computer-assisted instruction supplements traditional methods in a non-calculus physics course offered at Seattle Pacific College. Thirty-five science majors enrolled in the first quarter and 32 continued in the second term. The hardware for the course consists of a PDP-11/20 computer and eight teletype terminals; additional peripheral equipment…

A ten-year research study designed a mechanized information system in the information processing field. Special attention was paid to implementation criteria entering into on-line retrieval through man-machine dialog from a remote typewriter or video terminal and four major areas were investigated: search strategies, machine stored indexer aids,…

Outlines the development of Plato, a unified computer system linking terminals to a central educational network; critically reviews Plato's new Homelink system which provides access to 273 games and lessons; and discusses its present capabilities and possible future improvements to make Homelink attractive to home users interested in educational…

A new technique called computer augmented lectures (CAL) now in use at the University of Texas at Austin is discussed in this report. The technique is described as involving the integration of on-line interactive time-sharing computer terminals and theater-size video projectors for large screen display, the goal being to promote student learning…

A class project in a systems programing course at the University of Michigan sought to produce a system realistic enough to warrant production use, the underlying assumption being that the reality of the project would motivate students and provide them with valuable experience. Eighteen experienced students in the Computerized Registration…