Describes an interactive data retrieval system which was designed and implemented for casual users and which incorporates a user-friendly interface, aids to train beginners in use of the system, versatility in output, and error recovery protocols. A 14-item reference list and two figures illustrating system operation and output are included. (JL)

Discusses intelligent front-end processors designed to impose uniform standards on multiple databases and assist searchers, including motivation for development, prototypes from research community, commercial systems using microcomputers, capabilities and problems encountered in developing Franklin Institute's Online Database Search Assistance…

Discusses theory of mental models--i.e., representations of relationships within a system which enable the user to produce mental simulations of the system's actions and develop ways of dealing with it--and its implications for user training, interface design, and overall systems design. (EJS)

Describes a feasibility study which investigated the effects of introducing microcomputers in primary school classrooms with teachers having no previous experience with their use. A 10-item bibliography is included. (CHC)

Suggests priorities for research involved in student interactive modes of learning such as computer explorations, games and simulations, and practicum experiences. Priorities are evaluation, costs, and the degree to which students are able to transcend the immediate experience. (KC)

Shows how cognitive psychology can provide guidelines to design computer systems that are easy to use, based on the assumption that prior knowledge of the real world and natural language affect users' attitudes toward the computer. Concludes that human-computer communication is facilitated when the system is consistent with this knowledge.…

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

The substantial use of educational television by the Open University has not yet taken advantage of the potential for interactive learning through use of video replay. The traditional broadcast format has predominated. (MSE)

Suggests the designation of overlapping hierarchies in thesauri, first outlined in 1973, as a key element in progress towards a successful man-machine partnership. Article updates, expands, and provides theoretical background of 1973 proposal; postulates use of the UDC; and suggests means of distinguishing overlapping terms from other…

Describes a minicomputer software system for the administration of instructional programs combining interactive cable television and computer aided instruction for potentially large populations at relatively low cost. Both basic two-way cable television technology and the system developed by Michigan State University are discussed. (Author)

The computer is seen as a powerful tool that offers great potential for administrators in tertiary institutions. The impact of the computer on processing data, database concept, computer communication, utilization of operations data for analytical reports, use of management science tools, and evolution in administrative data processing are…

Teaching by telephone is one of the original distance education media, and retains an important place among distance learning media. Key considerations in teaching by telephone include: knowing the medium's strengths and limitations; designing for the audio medium; using teaching and humanizing methods that foster cognitive and affective…

Assesses the appropriateness of GUIs (graphical user interfaces), more specifically Windows-based interfaces for CD-ROM. An evaluation model is described that was developed to carry out an expert evaluation of the interfaces of seven CD-ROM products. Results are discussed in light of HCI (human-computer interaction) usability criteria and design…

Discusses concepts of mediation and focuses on the importance of implementing comprehensive virtual learning environments. Topics include education and technology as they relate to cultural change, social institutions, the Internet and computer-mediated communication, software design and human-computer interaction, the use of MOOs, and language.…

Presents two methods for evaluating automatically generated hypertext links: one is based on correlations between shortest paths in the hypertext structure and a semantic similarity measure, and the other is based on measuring users' performances using hypertext. Advantages and disadvantages of computer versus human evaluation are discussed.…