Examines the workings of a children's residential treatment environment in order to gain new insight into residential treatment in general. Areas studied include: children's responses to crowding or to isolation; use of open areas; personalization of life space; spatial territoriality; and environmental accommodation. (BF)

The new faculty club at Pennsylvania State University designed by Venturi and Rauch, is praised for its siting, but criticized for the institutional colors of the interior and lack of accommodation to human needs. (MLF)

A course on design for aging populations, developed at Ohio State University, is described. Student-team projects included designs for an upgraded signage system for apartment dwellers, outdoor furniture, and recreational area in a nursing home. (LBH)

This checklist provides guidelines for designing computer screen displays and evaluating those designed by others. The checklist covers three important aspects of designing a computer screen display: how the screen looks, how the screen interacts with users, and evaluating the screen. (MBR)

Discusses the probabilistic nature of information retrieval, and describes a front end system designed to permit searchers to attach probabilistically interpreted weights to query terms, which could be adapted for conventional information retrieval systems without requiring radical changes in current indexing procedures. (37 references) (CLB)

Discusses the special information needs of the building industry, attributes of existing expert systems that support building design and construction, and current research to further develop the application of expert systems to this area. An annotated listing of related expert system developments is appended. (49 references) (CLB)

A model for evaluating environmental modifications for blind people is proposed, based on blind individuals' ability to conceptualize and manage their physical environmnet. The paper discusses existing and proposed environmental modifications, the mind-set from which they emerge, and the social consequences which they may promote. (Author/JDD)

Briefly describes stages of the systematic design process for educational software including learning goals identification; considering medium suitability; developing performance objectives, criterion-referenced tests, and instructional strategies; and product evaluation and dissemination. Events of instruction are discussed in detail as they…

Outlines several factors to be considered by teachers when designing text displays for computer assisted instruction. Types of frames--introductory, pretesting, teaching/testing, practice, criterion testing, and rule-example--are defined and discussed to aid developers in organizing a computer assisted instruction lesson. (MBR)

Description of several computerized tutoring systems is organized around types of knowledge any tutor must possess--subject area, student's information, and how to teach and communicate. Data and control structures of Meno-tutor are described to illustrate use of artificial intelligence to model the student, a domain, and teaching strategies. (MBR)

Addresses the problems of unsuitable physical layout of the visual display terminal, keyboard, and document holder and improperly selected office furniture by discussing a group of office products dubbed "computer furniture," i.e., terminal tables and furniture for peripherals. Purchasing advice is included. (EJS)

Provides guidelines for selecting a monitor to suit specific applications, explains the process by which graphics images are produced on a CRT monitor, and describes four types of flat-panel displays being used in the newest lap-sized portable computers. A comparison chart provides prices and specifications for over 80 monitors. (MBR)

Describes a revised building standard, 1980 A 117.1, requiring barrier-free locksets in new and renovated buildings. The standard specifies that locksets must be designed so that the handle need not be twisted, grasped, or pinched to open the door. Lever-handle, push-type, and U-shaped handles are preferred. (TE)

Suggests general guidelines for effective educational facility planning involving two components of educational specifications: (1) written statements which detail the instructional program, and (2) a description of the physical and environmental factors for the program identified. (TA)

The Savoy Elementary School Modernization and Co-Location project is designed to meet a number of important goals for Washington, D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) and the District of Columbia. It will improve the teaching and learning conditions for Savoy Elementary School so that they are in excellent condition, can support a high quality curriculum,…