The Cognitive Tutor Authoring Tools (CTAT) support creation of a novel type of tutors called example-tracing tutors. Unlike other types of ITSs (e.g., model-tracing tutors, constraint-based tutors), example-tracing tutors evaluate student behavior by flexibly comparing it against generalized examples of problem-solving behavior. Example-tracing…

In well-defined domains such as Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry, solutions to a posed problem can objectively be classified as correct or incorrect. In ill-defined domains such as medicine, the classification of solutions to a patient problem as correct or incorrect is much more complex. Typical tutoring systems accept only a small set of…

Cognitive diagnosis (CD) plays an important role in intelligent tutoring system. Computerized adaptive testing (CAT) is adaptive, fair, and efficient, which is suitable to large-scale examination. Traditional cognitive diagnostic test needs quite large number of items, the efficient and tailored CAT could be a remedy for it, so the CAT with…

In this paper, it is argued that e-learning environments are currently more like "buildings", i.e., learning spaces, rather than "schools", i.e., places for learning. The concepts originated from architecture and urban design, where they are used both to distinguish static spaces from inhabited places, and more importantly, as design objectives.…

There is a growing use of immersive virtual environments for educational purposes. However, much of this activity is not yet documented in the public domain, or is descriptive rather than analytical. This paper presents a case study in which university students were tasked with building an interactive learning experience using Second Life as a…

This paper reflects a multi-year collaborative effort between the New Media Consortium (NMC) and Griffith University to help inform Australian educational leaders about significant developments in technologies supporting teaching, learning, and research in tertiary education. The research underpinning the report makes use of the NMC's Delphi-based…

Fans of mobile devices are everywhere, and they are using their PDAs, smart phones, and mobile phones to access Web-based content. Chances are that they are trying to access your library's Web site or find library-based content for their devices. In this article, the author presents some tips on how to serve those who wants to grab some fast info…

Analyzes interfaces supporting spoken, pen-based, and multimodal input for their effectiveness in interacting with interactive map systems. Results identified performance difficulties with speech-only map interactions that declined substantially when people could interact multimodally. Analyses also indicated that map displays can be structured to…

Describes a study that designed and tested a system for determining when an instructor should make an intervention during computer-assisted instruction (CAI). A Markov matrix was established to define the transitional probabilities for progressing through a set of industrial training sessions using CAI. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of electronic performance support systems (EPSS) focuses on an application within the domain of quantitative research methods as taught in a university psychology course. Describes the design and implementation of the system and outlines results of an evaluative study of the EPSS. (Author/LRW)

Of 45 adults over 50 who had computer experience, 44% reported difficulty reading screens, 53% were frustrated by complex software, and 27% had difficulty with the mouse. The physical characteristics of aging should be considered in designing special software features such as dynamic text resizing and menu buttons instead of pull-down menus. (SK)

Discusses the design and implementation of database management systems for low-organized and natural language text on small computers. Emphasis is on the efficient storage and access of primary (text) and secondary (dictionary) files. Possible expansions to the system to increase its use in linguistic research are considered. (six references)…

Discussion of natural language processing components of information retrieval systems focuses on a full-text system called TOPIC (Text-Oriented Procedures for Information Management and Condensation of Expository Texts) that is based on text parsing. Highlights include design rationales for semantic parsing; text coherence; and a semantic model of…

Discusses the development of hypertext and describes hypertext systems currently available for microcomputers. The use of hypertext in instructional materials and in job aids is discussed, an example of a system designed for self-management tasks is given, and the need to focus on human performance improvement is emphasized. (14 references) (LRW)

This reprint from "Designing the User Interface: Strategies for Effective Human-Computer Interaction" (Shneiderman) discusses the impact of computers on individuals and society. Highlights include individual opportunities for learning, entertainment, and cooperation through networking; problems with the use of computer systems; and the…