Laboratory facilities should be designed with the most effective arrangement for maximum instructional efficiency and safety. Periodic evaluation and analysis should be used for improving instruction, abating safety hazards, and presenting an efficient learning environment. Attention should be focused on--(1) instructional program, (2) students,…

A simulation system capable of supporting human factors experiments in the development of military training devices is described. The first phase of the study consisted of (1) a review of tasks performed by the operators of different types of military simulation systems, (2) an analysis of problems experienced in the development of devices for…

A survey of 914 teachers from 77 English schools was conducted to gather data on summer overheating of school classrooms. Teachers' reports were analyzed in terms of the structural and design characteristics of the rooms in order to isolate the factors responsible for thermal discomfort. The principal factors were found to be the orientation of…

The fifth annual report of Harvard University's Program on Technology and Society describes current research in the Program's major areas of concentration--namely the effects of technological change on the life of the individual in society, social and individual values, the political organization of society, and the structure and processes of…

The paper presents a summary overview of the major methods by which human environments have been assessed and characterized. Six general types of dimensions are identified: 1) Ecological Dimensions which include both geographical and meteorological and architectural and physical design variables; 2) behavior settings, which are the only units thus…

This publication attempts to provide some basic descriptions of the various systems and components of climate control and to point out some of the factors to be considered in the selection of the mechanical equipment. The principles of heat gain and loss and ventilation as they relate to a comfortable temperature are discussed. Illustrative…

The authors focus on issues related to the continual use of video display terminals in the office, including safety and health regulations, potential health problems, and the role of training in minimizing work-related health problems. (CH)

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…

The sixth session of IT@EDU98 consisted of seven papers on the topic of the learning machine--Vietnamese based human-computer interface, and was chaired by Phan Viet Hoang (Informatics College, Singapore). "Knowledge Based Approach for English Vietnamese Machine Translation" (Hoang Kiem, Dinh Dien) presents the knowledge base approach,…

This paper focuses on the human side of networking in education, emphasizing that people working together can create new solutions to old problems. Discussion includes increased links to information through the Internet and new resources entering the classroom; team-teaching, cooperative learning, and learner-centered instruction; and distance…

Reviews literature in user acceptance and resistance to information technology design and implementation. Examines innovation diffusion, technology design and implementation, human-computer interaction, and information systems. Concentrates on the determinants of user acceptance and resistance and emphasizes how researchers and developers can…

Examines the physical demands and ergonomic concerns within child care settings. Discusses problem areas and ergonomic recommendations for room design and staff training. Presents important implications for writing job descriptions, determining essential job functions, orienting and training staff, and committing to improving the child care work…

Presents an annotated review of human factors literature that discusses computerized environments. Topics discussed include the application of office automation practices to educational environments; video display terminal (VDT) workstations; health and safety hazards; planning educational facilities; ergonomics in computerized offices; and…

Examines the following essential skills for a successful electronic performance support systems design: (1) the ability to understand and assess human performance needs; (2) open-mindedness; (3) solid design skills; (4) human-computer interface design skills; (5) team leadership skills; and (6) microcomputer application design skills. (AEF)

Explores design considerations for a functional microcomputer lab, including ergonomics and furnishings; access for the disabled; the use of other media; hardware security; and software security, including virus protection. A summary paragraph comments on the role of planning and forecasting. A bibliography of eight titles for further reading is…