Discussion of human-computer interaction and planned action focuses on the belief that it is impossible to consider an action without an a priori plan, even according to the phenomenological position taken for granted by the situated action theory. Reports results of a quasi-experiment that focused on plan deviation within an information seeking…

Discusses the use of hypertext as an instructional tool and compares hypertext instruction with traditional instructional formats. Instructional design guidelines for hypertext are presented that focus on learner control, multiuser management, user interface, knowledge organization, and content representation. Limitations of learner control as an…

The danger of computers is not that people will be controlled by them but that they may imitate them, mistaking data for wisdom. Unobstructed access to facts can produce unlimited good only if matched by the desire and ability to discover what they mean and where they would lead. (MSE)

Addresses the question of how to write computer programs using explicit knowledge and rules-based systems. Highlights include the knowledge representation tool; the knowledge base on programming; and results of experiments that tested the system. Appendices include the set of rules for the experimental knowledge base and details of two…

Discussion of the study of interactive information retrieval (IR) at the Text Retrieval Conferences (TREC) focuses on summaries of the Interactive Track at each conference. Describes evolution of the track, which has changed from comparing human-machine systems with fully automatic systems to comparing interactive systems that focus on the search…

Discusses educational technology in general and then considers the drawbacks and possibilities of educational computer technologies as a subset. Suggests that the proper use of the computers needs to be addressed more than the mere fact of having computers. (LRW)

Experiments focused on (a) how a subject directs his attention and explores the problem environment created by the task to be learned, and (b) how the subject's learning process can be facilitated by CAI systems. In all experiments, the subject interacted with an automaton responsible for controlling the experimental environment. The automaton was…

In many industrial tasks a complex, interactive process must be controlled by a human operator in real-time, with or without the aid of a computer. In order to allocate functions between man and machine at the design stage, a model of human behavior and performance in such tasks is required. Progress towards such a model is analyzed. (Author)

A program structure based on recently developed techniques for operating system simulation has the required flexibility for use as a speech synthesis algorithm research framework. This program makes synthesis possible with less rigid time and frequency-component structure than simpler schemes. It also meets real-time operation and memory-size…

Knowledge about computer hardware is growing in importance for the humanist because of the increasing impact of small personal computers. A basic knowledge of hardware need not be either difficult to acquire or too technical to be useful. The informed scholar can contribute greatly to the humanization of computer systems. (CMV)

Discussion of the online searching process identifies the formulation of a search strategy as the major problem area for users of online systems. Artificial intelligence is suggested as a solution to this problem, and several expert systems for information retrieval are described. An annotated list of 24 items for further reading is included. (23…

Six principles of curriculum planning in an age of technological change are (1) teach basic principles, (2) teach students to adapt, (3) teach students to be researchers, (4) teach interaction with technology, (5) teach effective communication, and (6) teach problem solving. (SK)

Rapid proliferation of different types of interaction devices that use more natural channels (voice, touch, gesture) for interfacing with the digital medium illustrates the trend towards the creation of more "humane" interaction mechanisms. However, the current historical paradox is that modern technological advances are dramatically…

In critically reviewing these opposing views of the social and economic effects of automation and cybernation, the author attempts to bring some current myths into clearer focus, and thereby encourage more responsible attitudes. (JB)