WQ is a Web-based system that reflects some of the ideas found in WebQuests. This paper analyzes the characteristics that make the WebQuests so popular and determines which of their components give them the greatest educational value. The WQ system, which the authors have implemented, presents sites to be browsed and searched. It allows students…

A group of 20 students in a self-contained kindergarten classroom was selected to receive enrichment using computer software. Of those 20, 10 were randomly selected to use "Bailey's Book House" on a Macintosh computer. "Bailey's Book House" and the Macintosh computer were considered to be the newer models. The other 10 students used "First Letter…

This book is divided into two parts; the first part (chapters 1-4) discusses fundamental aspects of computing and related technologies, and the second part (chapters 5-8) covers library automation, systems, and services. The chapters are as follows: (1) Computer Hardware, including the central processor, input peripherals, output peripherals, and…

Digital libraries are moving from research and development into commercial use. If they are to realize their full potential, however, the experiences of end users need to be taken into account from the earliest stages of design. Those end users are typically individuals who have no particular skills in information retrieval, and are accessing…

This paper presents an outline and a discussion of the philosophy and rationale for a course taught on Web design and production for teachers at the University of Nevada, Reno. Concepts illustrated on the demonstration page are listed, as are sites to which the main course page has links. Aids and cautions for instructors are provided. The problem…

This document provides testimony on the U.S. Department of Education's efforts to ensure that its computer systems supporting critical student financial aid activities will be able to process information reliably through the turn of the century. After providing some background information, the statement recaps prior findings and the actions that…

Describes the ViewFinder interface, designed at Indiana University as a client to a database server; it supports querying based on both visual and verbal clues. Presents results of usability analysis performed on ViewFinder with 18 users. High search success rates were achieved through both types of querying means; verbal clues were used more than…

Describes an integrated approach to similarity coefficients that allows multiple index dimensions to be integrated into a single, flexible navigation tool. Categorizes different types of similarity measures by the kinds of index terms they employ and describes the underlying similarity measures. (Author/AEF)

Explores the systemological approach of dialogism as a new way of couching the problem of person-machine dialog in human-computer interaction. Concludes that a human-computer interaction community reflecting upon the future of interface will gain bona fide self-awareness from conceptualizing the machine as a component of society, rather than a…

Describes JSTOR (Journal Storage), a not-for-profit organization located in New York City, established to use digital technology to preserve and make accessible core journal literature. Highlights include publisher participation and license agreements; scanning and optical character recognition; missing information; systems design; project goals;…

Reviews the literature on the design and evaluation of user interfaces on CD-ROM. Defines interfaces, dialogs and interaction and explores diversity in, and issues associated with, standardization in interface design for CD-ROMs. Reviews current criteria and guidelines for the evaluation of CD-ROM interfaces and proposes alternative guidelines.…

Describes the Okapi projects and the work of the Centre for Interactive Systems Research at the City University of London (England). Okapi, an experimental text retrieval system, has been used as the basis for a series of projects addressing aspects of user information-seeking behavior and user-system interaction, as well as system design.…

Provides student services administrators and staff with information concerning the basic computer access needs of students with disabilities. Explores issues like training and support for students, faculty, and staff; funding; purchase and maintenance of equipment; technology integration; professional competence; legal considerations; and the…

Describes a project in England that enhanced distance learning by providing tutorial support using digitized voice and data transmission. The technical aspects of the microcomputer-based system that was developed are highlighted, including design strategy; hardware and software components; system interactions; and voice mail usage. (LRW)

Examines trends in the design of database management systems for microcomputers and predicts developments that may occur in the next decade. Possible developments are discussed in the areas of user interfaces, database programing, library systems, the use of MARC data, CD-ROM applications, artificial intelligence features, HyperCard, and…