Argues that the best strategy for building integrated, personalized information systems consists of linguistically oriented knowledge and inference, rather than artificial intelligence techniques. The discussion addresses difficulties in the evaluation of such systems and strategies for devising performance studies. (five references) (CLB)

Describes the use of a logic circuit simulator to design a computer in an introductory computer course. Discusses the design of a sequence generator, control circuits, and testing of a computer's instruction set. (YP)

Outlines an approach to the automatic construction of a knowledge base resulting in a system that is able in each phase of its construction to acquire domain knowledge from all new information that it is building, particularly index terms. Topics covered include production rules, the use of semantic networks, and user interfaces. (32 references)…

Describes a survey of expert system producers that examined the number, nature, and scope of expert systems in Great Britain; methodologies used in their development; and the background and skills of those working in this area. The potential for library and information science professionals to become involved in expert system development is then…

Describes rough sets theory and discusses the advantages it offers for information retrieval, including the implicit inclusion of Boolean logic, term weighting, ranked retrieval output, and relevance feedback. Rough set formalism is compared to Boolean, vector, and fuzzy models of information retrieval and a small scale evaluation of rough sets is…

Discusses the background and the current situation of computer information retrieval systems in China. Problem areas considered include: (1) lack of coordination of activities; (2) lack of data on user demand; and (3) shortages of personnel in computer science, mathematics, and systems engineering. An agenda for the future is outlined. (MES)

Presents a Multimedia Title Development Environment (MTDE), which integrates multimedia information, tools used to produce it, and their formats and storage media as objects in an Asset Repository for use by cooperative design teams. The system's architecture and data model are described; and examples are provided of MTDE use and steps in updating…

Raison d'Etre, a hypermedia design history application, provides access to a database of video clips containing perspectives of design team members during the course of a project. Describes the user needs analysis; methods of collecting information and organizing the database; and the implications for design education, research, and practice. (AEF)

Compares educational technology and information systems (IS) and relates the histories of their adoption. Explains IS adoption paradigms, models and frameworks, and suggests similarities and differences between IS adoption/implementation and educational change; and discusses educational change and what can be learned from IS adoption models.…

Outlines the ETHICS methodology for workplace system design. This structured approach includes recognizing needs, setting objectives, choosing strategies, and evaluating results. Through user involvement, effective communication, and informed choice, ETHICS seeks to achieve greater realization of the advantages of new work systems. (JKP)

Advocates a systems approach to designing educational systems in a changing world. The intellectual technology of systems design is outlined; and a design architecture is described that addresses definition of the new system, system specifications, key functions, organizational issues, and the systemic environment. Organizing perspectives for…

Discussion of the development of an expert system that will serve as the primary advisor for individual course sequencing in a graduate program focuses on the characteristics and selection of an expert system shell (i.e., software that facilitates expert system development). Advantages, disadvantages, and prices of several commercial products are…

Compares the analysis, design, development, and evaluation of electronic performance support tools and systems to a traditional instructional systems design model. Topics discussed include indeterminate outcomes; rapid prototyping; front end analysis; intervention strategies; sequencing; user control; media selection; formative evaluation; and…

Reviews what is known about the effect of managed care on access to health services, as well as utilization of hospital care, emergency department visits, primary care services, and specialty pediatric services. The effect of managed care appears dependent on several factors and, thus, is likely to vary according to the population served. (SLD)

The International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI) President (1999-2000) reports on the State of the Profession. Part I compares the profession of human performance technology (HPT) to other professions. Part II discusses the nature of HPT and examines critical classes of variables affecting the mission of HPT. Part III illustrates…