This paper addresses the problem of probabilistic reasoning as it applies to Truth Maintenance Systems (TMS). A computer-based Belief Maintenance System (BMS) has been constructed which manages a current set of probabilistic beliefs in much the same way that a TMS manages a set of true/false beliefs. It may be thought of as a generalization of a…

This issue of "Information Technology Quarterly" is devoted to the theme of "Artificial Intelligence." It contains two major articles: (1) Artificial Intelligence and Law" (D. Peter O'Neill and George D. Wood); (2) "Artificial Intelligence: A Long and Winding Road" (John J. Simon, Jr.). In addition, it contains two sidebars: (1) "Calculating and…

Evaluation models are being developed for assessing artificial intelligence (AI) systems in terms of similar performance by groups of people. Natural language understanding and vision systems are the areas of concentration. In simplest terms, the goal is to norm a given natural language system's performance on a sample of people. The specific…

This study analyzed the enrollment of two computer classes at a public high school in northern Indiana to see if there was any computer inequity. The two classes examined--an introduction to computers course and a computer programming course--were studied over a period of four years. The sample consisted of 388 students in four years of the…

Elements of computing success of Iona College, the challenges it currently faces, and the strategies conceived to cope with future computing needs are discussed. The college has mandated computer literacy for students and offers nine degrees in the computerized information system/management information system areas. Since planning is needed in…

Indian Valley Vocational Center (IVVC) has implemented the first vocational computer-aided design (CAD) program in the state of Illinois. The CADAPPLE turnkey system is used by students to do drafting problems assigned from their self-paced workbook "CAD-Tutor." A buddy system allows for students to alternate weeks as operators and…

This analysis of a research and development program conducted in the Brighton Polytechnic Department of Librarianship between 1975 and 1980 to explore the use of computer-related education in all areas of the librarianship curriculum focuses on the use of computer-based teaching packages integrated into the core curriculum, the nature and content…

In response to increasing demands for computer literacy, the University of Nevada/Reno College of Education, in cooperation with the Burroughs Corporation, developed a training program to acquaint future and inservice teachers with computer use and the potentials of computer education. In this model, groups of learners are stratified by levels of…

This paper describes an open day held for fifth and lower sixth form girls which was designed to encourage them to consider pursuit of either a degree level program or coursework in artificial intelligence at the University of Sussex. It is noted that, although the students who attended the program were enthusiastic, the number of applicants was…

Computer numerical control (CNC) has evolved from the first significant counting method--the abacus. Babbage had perhaps the greatest impact on the development of modern day computers with his analytical engine. Hollerith's functioning machine with punched cards was used in tabulating the 1890 U.S. Census. In order for computers to become a…

This paper contains brief synopses of recent technical progress/projects in the field of advanced learning systems. This issue contains the following 12 items: (1) "Guest Editorial" (Sylvia Charp) concerning the need to provide better learning experiences for all students; (2) "Steps in Developing an Expert Systems Model," as…

This examination of computer equity argues that current educational trends--which emphasize teaching applications of computers rather than programming--will limit the computer skills of students. Added to this difficulty is the argument that some students (often minority and female students) need not be pushed to learn programming if they don't…

The first report details the computer education plans of the school district in Palo Alto (California), where the use of the computer is part of normal school activities in grades K-6, all seventh grade students participate in a computer awareness unit, and students in grades 9-12 are encouraged to enroll for one quarter in a computer studies…

This study reports two experiments which indicate that the processes of providing subjects with insightful representations of example programs and guiding subjects through an "ideal" problem solving strategy facilitate learning. A production system model (GRAPES) has been developed that simulates problem-solving and learning in the…

Computers serve schools in several ways. In the business office they perform functions in payroll and accounting; they are the subject matter in the computer science courses that train students in skills that the coming technological lifestyle will make necessary; they permit effective instructional management; and they provide the means for…