Complex computer and video games may provide a vehicle, based on appropriate theoretical concepts, to transform the educational landscape. Building on the original game object model (GOM) a new more detailed model is developed to support concepts that educational computer games should: be relevant, explorative, emotive, engaging, and include…

This paper evaluates four tools for creating World Wide Web pages that interface with Microsoft Access databases: DB Gateway, Internet Database Assistant (IDBA), Microsoft Internet Database Connector (IDC), and Cold Fusion. The system requirements and features of each tool are discussed. A sample application, "The Virtual Help Desk"…

This summary of issues addressed at the conference identifies 10 important themes: (1) the nature of interactivity, and whether linear presentations are obsolete; (2) what can be done with all the imagery made possible with videodisks and the sounds enabled by compact disks, and whether any of this is really new; (3) whether emotional…

Explores the similarities, differences, and emerging trends among the fields of human performance technology, electronic performance support systems, technical communications, and instructional design to gain insights into how their evolution affects performance support. The tension between designed messages and tools, which allows users more…

Presents a formal object-oriented specification model (OSS) for computer software system development that is supported by a tool that automatically generates a prototype from an object-oriented analysis model (OSA) instance, lets the user examine the prototype, and permits the user to refine the OSA model instance to generate a requirements…

Suggests that known sources of name variation and error in information systems must be addressed through improved retrieval techniques. Argues that a culture of data stewardship in which fewer errors are introduced in the handling of personal names can be achieved through greater awareness of problems specific to handling of names, and the design…

Even as weblogs, content management systems, and other forms of automated Web posting and journals are changing the way people create and place content on the Web, new Web pages mushroom overnight. However, many new Web designers produce Web pages that seem to ignore fundamental principles of "good design": full of colored backgrounds, animated…

Presents an overview of user-centered design and usability testing. Describes a Web site evaluation project at a university, the iterative process of rapid prototyping and usability testing, and how the findings helped to improve the design. Discusses recommendations for university Web site design and reflects on problems faced in usability…

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)

Discusses what a functional chemical information workstation should provide to support the users in an academic library and examines how it can be implemented. Highlights include basic design considerations; natural language interface, including grammar-based, context-based, and statistical methodologies; expert system interface; and programming…

Discussion of virtual reality (VR) focuses on research and development being carried out at NYNEX to solve business problems. Component technologies are described; design decisions are considered, including interactivity, connectivity, and locus of control; potential perils of VR are discussed, including user dissociation; and areas of promise are…

This article describes the stages in developing a special education expert system: orientation, development of a theoretical framework, generation of content for the system databases, and checks for consistency and logic/revision. It explains the synthesis and application required to build the content for the system and discusses typical problems…

Presents a framework for the design of information representations in terms of previews and overviews, to aid designers of digital library interfaces. Defines previews and overviews, as graphic or textual representations of information abstracted from primary information objects, analogous to bibliographic records and catalogs; and describes four…

Examines problems in Web-site design from the perspective of network analysis. In view of the similarity between the hypertext structure of Web pages and a generic network, network analysis presents concepts and theories that provide insight for Web-site design. Describes the problem of home-page location and control of number of Web pages and…

With the expansion of e-learning, the understanding and evaluation of already created e-learning environments is becoming an extremely important issue. One way to dealing with the problem is analysis of case studies, i.e. already created environments, from the reuse perspective. The paper presents a general framework and model to assess UNITE, the…