Discusses the role of the computer as a personal learning aid, and describes a set of programs using conversational heuristics which interacts with the cognitive modeling processes of the participant. (Author/CMV)

Discusses the requirements that computers have put on people and human performance technology in computer-based systems. (MLH)

Natural language processing (NLP) is concerned with getting computers to do useful things with natural language. Major applications include machine translation, text generation, information retrieval, and natural language interfaces. Reviews important developments since 1987 that have led to advances in NLP; current NLP applications; and problems…

Reviews M.B. DeBevoise's "Conversations on Mind, Matter, and Mathematics," (a book of translated conversations between Jean-Pierre Changeux and Alain Connes), which explores the question of whether a machine could reproduce the activity of the human brain. Explains how mathematics might be able to mediate between mind and matter. (DDR)

Presents a critique of recent theoretical developments in the field of human-computer interaction (HCI) together with an overview of HCI practice. This chapter discusses why theoretically based approaches have had little impact on the practice of interaction design and suggests mechanisms to enable designers and researchers to better articulate…

Document retrieval tasks composed of human relevance judgments need test sets that allow comparison of human retrieval and automated retrieval and that place absolute limits on performance by any method. Results suggest that it should be possible to improve retrieval system performance within recommended limits by incorporating specific subject…

Discussion of intelligent agents and their use in computer learning environments focuses on cognitive considerations. Presents four dimension of control that should be considered in designing agent-based learning environments: learner control, from constructivist to instructivist; feedback; relationship of learner to agent; and learner confidence…

Describes access and retrieval techniques implemented as part of a research and development program in electronic imaging applied to document storage and retrieval at the National Library of Medicine. Design considerations for large image databases are discussed. (six references) (EAM)

Discusses ways in which artificial intelligence could be applied to improve the ease of use, quality of retrieval, and organization of data in online services or CD-ROM. (MES)

Describes a study that measured the speed, error rates, and subjective evaluation of arrow jump keys, a jump mouse, number keys, and a touch screen in an interactive encyclopedia. The results of previous studies are discussed as well as the findings of this study. Improvements in selection devices are suggested. (41 references) (Author/CLB)

Reports on the Online Access to Knowledge (OAK) Project, which developed software to support end user access to a Department of Energy database based on the skill levels and needs of energy researchers. The discussion covers issues in development, evaluation, and the study of user behavior in designing an interface tailored to a special…

This third installment in a series on instructional videodiscs for teachers focuses on the equipment needed to bring videodisc programs to the classroom. Videodisc delivery systems are explained, players and monitors are described, and three types of computer-controlled systems are discussed: hybrid systems, peripheral systems, and integrated…

Describes a prototype expert system that was developed to guide the instructional design phase of instructional system development. Declarative and procedural knowledge representation methods employed in the system are explained, a sample dialog between the system and a designer is presented, and future phases of the project are discussed. (nine…

Compares two basic types of computer-based simulations--(1) variable-assignment simulations, and (2) diagnostic problem-solving simulations. Differences in the role of the computer, in the nature of the problem presented to the learner, and in the decision making required of the student are described. (eight references) (LRW)

Presents a hypothetical instructional dialogue which illustrates the vocabulary, syntax, and style of Terrapin Music Logo, and shows how that dialect might be used to explore the concept of repetition in musical form. The educational philosophy of Logo is examined, and computer-aided discovery learning in music theory is illustrated. (eight…