Discussion of user problems with navigating large spaces in virtual information environments focuses on a top-down application of semantic knowledge by the user from experiences within the sociocognitive context of information production and consumption. Considers individual differences in studies of interaction; spatial and semantic cues; and…

This article guides teachers in developing multimedia projects using a systems approach, based on instructional design principles. Considers analyzing the learners; selecting the topic; writing objectives; defining project type; designing text, cards, and buttons; hyperlink navigation; and evaluating multimedia projects. (LRW)

Presents the benefits facilities managers could realize by converting blueprints, CADD information, and as-built drawings into a computer-aided facility management (CAFM) system. CAFM links graphics to databases, adding information on types of spaces, occupants, materials, equipment, costs, and other building systems. This helps facilities…

Discusses the appropriateness of the newspaper metaphor for electronic news and highlights different approaches to the electronic delivery of news. Presents the editorial and presentational functionality of the Electronic News Delivery system project and provides an overview of the system architecture. Describes some of the prototype systems…

Administrators at Bowdoin College (Maine) have translated lessons learned from the process of administrative software conversion into ten commandments for other small colleges undertaking such changes. Three approaches to management information systems are outlined, with advantages and limitations highlighted, as well as the ten recommendations,…

Multi-user Object Oriented Internet activities (MOOs) permit real time interaction in a text-based virtual reality via the Internet. This article explains EduMOOs (educational MOOs) and provides brief descriptions, World Wide Web addresses, and telnet addresses for selected EduMOOs. Instructions for connecting to a MOO and a list of related Web…

Considers technologies needed for higher education institutions who are offering program-based or knowledge unit-based approaches to meet learners' needs. Highlights include integrated information systems; technology requirements and architectures; user tools and functionalities, including Web-based course management systems and knowledge…

Addresses problems with the integration of the Internet into French schools. Topics include network technology; computer-student ratios in elementary, middle, and secondary schools; multimedia characteristics of the Internet; international dimensions; navigation methods; diversity of applications; and the need for teacher education. (LRW)

Increasing information retrieval performance using phrases and part-of-speech (POS) information is one example of a type of decision-making performance that is improved when using this linguistic information. The relative effectiveness of using multi-term phrases as opposed to individual terms is shown, as well as the relative worth of POS tagged…

Results from three studies examining 1295 relevance judgments by 36 information retrieval (IR) system end-users are reported. Both the region of the relevance judgments, from non-relevant to highly relevant, and motivations or levels for the relevance judgments are examined. Implications for relevance theory and IR systems evaluation are…

Examines the history of information systems in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), proposed development strategies for the area, the OECS INFONET project, and resulting recommendations for developing and sustaining regional information networks. An appendix summarizes 1991 Gross National Product and population data for the…

Presents a guide for school librarians to the terminology involving different types of Internet connections. Highlights include determining how the Internet will be used; organizations that offer free access; commercial online services; Internet access providers; dial-up versus dedicated connections; costs; and hardware and software…

Reports on the creation of a prototype, Web-based expert system that helps users better navigate library databases at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Discusses concerns that gave rise to the project. Summarizes previous work/research and common approaches in academic libraries today. Describes plans for testing the prototype,…

Describes a scheme to represent a user's interest categories in an environment like the Web, and an adaptive algorithm to learn the dynamics of the user's interests through positive and negative relevance feedback. Proposes a three-descriptor model to represent a user's interests. Empirical studies confirm the effectiveness of this scheme to…

Explores the concepts of interaction and interactivity presented in different theoretical models in the fields of human-computer interaction (HCI) and information-seeking/searching behavior, and relates these to information retrieval (IR) research. Suggests that interaction in HCI is primarily concerned with establishing a user/system dialogue at…