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 argumentative and research papers written by students using Macintoshes in comparison to those written using IBM-compatibles. Finds that differences are not large enough to justify claims that the use of a graphical user interface affects writing skills. Suggests that rapid changes in technology makes the issue moot. (RS)

Describes research using an artificial intelligence approach in the application of a Kohonen Self-Organizing Map (SOM) to the problem of classification of electronic brainstorming output and an evaluation of the results. The graphical representation of textual data produced by the Kohonen SOM suggests many opportunities for improving information…

Uses a simple model of an information retrieval (IR) technology to examine performance measures for IR systems. Shows that, if a user is employing a system optimally, then reasonable performance measures will tend to be relatively robust, or insensitive, to small variations in assumptions about the user's behavior. (AEF)

Provides an introduction to the communication resources of the Internet and provides several specific examples of business solutions in the areas of electronic mail communications, business applications software support, system design, and databases, Advantages and disadvantages for management when integrating the Internet into a business…

Discusses the development and evaluation of the Academic Counselling Expert (ACE) system designed to replace the faculty advisor and provide requisite advice to aviation students at San Jose State University (California). This computer-based counselling system was accessed by 65 students (Spring 1996 semester); most students acquired appropriate…

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…

Discusses how to improve research and design more effective information retrieval systems. Topics include human-system interaction; knowledge integration; pluralistic research approaches; enhanced access to research data; more multidisciplinary integrative devices and conceptual mappings; establishing a greater mass of published research findings…

A study was conducted that used transaction logs to identify the characteristics of the most complex or problematic user queries. Enhancements are recommended in the design of online catalogs that use search trees to control system responses and to determine appropriate subject-searching terminology and technique. Contains 21 references and 12…

Reviews research describing computer functions of construction-oriented computer environments and evaluates their contributions to students' learning of geometry. Topics discussed include constructing geometric concepts; the use of LOGO in elementary school mathematics; software that focuses on geometric construction; and implications for the…

Discusses systems dynamics (SD) and considers the types of learning environments that can be designed on the basis of SD models. Highlights include social systems theory; classical systems theory and autopoietic systems theory; models of social systems; computer-based learning environments; simulation modes; and participative design of interactive…

Examines the use of query reformulation and particularly the use of relevance feedback by users of the Excite Web search engine. Discusses results that show limited use of query reformulation and relevance feedback; identifies the most common pattern of searching; and discusses implications for Web search system design. (Contains 16 references.)…

Introduces, through a conversation with computer-system designers from the Netherlands, the Language/Action Perspective on modeling business workflow and communication processes. Describes their attempts to develop system models that go beyond data flow to incorporate the communicative actions or transactions that result in the creation of a…

Uses Frank Lloyd Wright's (1867-1959) organic architecture as a metaphor to define the relationship between a part and a whole, whether the focus is on a building and its surroundings or information delivered via hypertext. Reviews effective strategies for designing text information via hypertext and incorporates three levels of information…

Examines the sociotechnological impact of introducing advanced information technology into the Spurlock Museum, a museum of world history and culture at the University of Illinois. Addresses implementation of such methodologies as computer-supported cooperative work and computer-mediated communication in the museum environment. Emphasizes the…