Examines three aspects of keyword searching as a possible solution to subject search problems in online public access catalogs (OPACs). Discusses search results, user satisfaction, and how keyword searching and controlled vocabulary searching are offered in OPAC interfaces. Concludes that keyword searching and controlled vocabulary searching…

Discussion of hypertext and hypermedia focuses on its use in the production of interactive and distributed documents. Topics include the World Wide Web; HTML (Hypertext Markup Language); client interfaces; gateways to other computer network protocols; and future considerations, including cultural and linguistic problems, software, legal and…

Describes the Macintosh equipment and software necessary to obtain and use digitized video for motion analysis. Also provides a simple strategy for undertaking such an analysis. (MVL)

Describes Aran, a knowledge-based system designed to help users deal with problems related to Unix operation. Highlights include adaptation to the individual user; user modeling knowledge; stereotypes; content of the individual user model; instantiation, acquisition, and maintenance of the individual model; dynamic acquisition of objective and…

Discussion of information systems methodologies that can contribute to interface design for public access systems covers: the systems life cycle; advantages of adopting information systems methodologies; soft systems methodologies; task-oriented approaches to user interface design; holistic design, the Star model, and prototyping; the…

Presents an activity in which students use mathematical ideas to understand how the intensity of light changes as light passes through water or similar partial barriers, by using a calculator-based laboratory device to record light intensity. Continues with a structured series of questions involving the use of difference equations with which…

Describes the development and implementation of a Web interface to existing computer-based learning materials in an attempt to enhance the student learning experience. Discusses action research, which includes collaboration, in the fields of law and statistics that focused on producing meaningful learning environments. (Contains 25 references.)…

Describes the role of a webmaster as designing, implementing, and maintaining an effective World Wide Web site; discusses needed skills in the areas of network configuration, interface and graphical design, software development, business strategy, writing, editing, marketing, and project management; and considers the webmaster's role in the online…

Focuses on the pre-design questions that a Web site designer and client need to address. Discusses the why, who, what, where, and when phases of the Web site design process. Includes a Web Site Development Form to guide site designs through the first two stages of Web site development: specification and design. (AEF)

Presents technical issues, design considerations and resource sites to consider when designing a Web site. Discusses fonts; colors; screen resolutions; statement of purpose; audience; content; layout; size and number of images; spacing and emphasis; browser-supported features; grammar and spelling; revision/improvement; and testing. (AEF)

Reviews literature in the field of human-computer interaction (HCI) as it applies to educational environments. Topics include the origin of HCI; human factors; usability; computer interface design; goals, operations, methods, and selection (GOMS) models; command language versus direct manipulation; hypertext; visual perception; interface…

Reports results of a study investigating effects of four user characteristics on users' mental models of information retrieval (IR) systems. Findings indicated that educational and professional status, academic background, and computer experience had significant effects in differentiating users on their factor scores. First language had a…

This paper focuses on the effectiveness and feasibility of two different kinds of individual learners' support in software training in undergraduate classroom settings. Describes varied user interfaces, including a training wheels interface; compares tutor instruction versus self-learning material; and considers learning time, learning outcomes,…

Describes the Gateway to Educational Materials Project (GEM) at the ERIC Clearinghouse on Information and Technology at Syracuse University. Explicates the GEM metadata element set and how GEM metadata is created. Discusses the syntactic binding of GEM metadata and the mechanisms for its distribution. Concludes with a brief discussion of existing…

Presents a new technique for information access based on a combination of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and conceptual structures as modeled in relational concept analysis. Describes a graphical interface that allows access of spatial, hierarchical, and linear data in a common manner; discusses its features and limits. (Author/AEF)