This seventh in a series on performance technology discusses the means an organization uses to support human performance. Five basic elements are described: (1) the opportunity an individual has to perform as the organization desires; (2) technology, including human-machine roles; (3) materials and supplies; (4) the flow of useful information; and…

Discusses issues relating to reading text on computer screens and considers how to optimize screen presentation of text, particularly for academic journals. Topics discussed include reading as a physical and cognitive skill; classifying text according to reader-relevant criteria; and the design implications of these factors for electronic journal…

This paper discusses the complexity of explanation activity in human-human goal-directed dialogue and suggests that this complexity ought to be taken into account in the design of explanation in human-computer interaction. A general model of clarity in human-computer systems is proposed, incorporating explanation as one component. On the basis of…

This essay compares two recent books on computer technology in terms of their usage of gendered or gender-free language. The two books examined are "Turing's Man: Western Culture in the Computer Age" by J. David Bolter and "The Second Self: Computers and the Human Spirit" by Sherry Turkle. It is argued that the two authors' gender differences in…

Benefits of the proposed Common Command Language for online interactive information retrieval, which has been developed by the National Information Standards Organization, are discussed, as are remaining problems in cross-system searching. A summary of the language showing the functions performed by the various commands is included. (MES)

Describes the uses of Lotus 1-2-3 (a spreadsheet-graphics-database program created by Lotus Development Corporation) and Symphony 1.1 (a refinement and expansion of Symphony 1.01 providing memory efficiency, speed, ease of use, greater file compatibility). Spreadsheet and graphics capabilities, the use of windows, database environment, and…

Special microcomputer systems that provide data entry by voice can be an important development for the disabled. The Shadow/VET (voice entry terminal) is a computer voice entry product with reasonable cost/performance that is being marketed by Scott Instruments. (SEW)

Several pilot projects that use videodiscs for educational purposes are described, and other sources that are currently planning or producing instructional videodiscs are discussed. (CHC)

Discusses expert systems, intelligent computer-assisted instruction, and human-machine interface as they relate to business and education. (JOW)

Graphical User Interface (GUI)--and its variant, pen computing--is rapidly replacing older types of operating environments. Despite its heavier demand for processing power, GUI has many advantages. (SK)

Discusses artificial intelligence (AI) and considers four potential roles for AI in information retrieval (IR): (1) information characterization, i.e., building a knowledge base; (2) information seeking, i.e., search formulation; (3) support functions, including abstracting; and (4) systems integration. Three examples are given that show how AI…

Clifford Nass, one of the authors of "The Media Equation: How to Treat Computers, Television and New Media Like Real People and Places," observes that, when people interact with computers, television, and other new media, they tend to display the same social behaviors as when they react to other humans. (JOW)

The discipline of software engineering can be extended in a natural way to deal with the issues raised by a systematic approach to the design of human-machine interfaces. The user should be treated as part of the system being designed and projects should be organized to take into account the current lack of a priori knowledge of user interface…

Outlines the need for the development of computer-based curriculum in a trial set of courses that incorporates interactive technology. If the trial courses are successful it could lead to a major national curriculum development effort. (MD)

This essay suggests that until online public access catalogs can be truly user-friendly by encouraging searchers to learn and control and relearn, making systems too easy is not in the users' or systems' best interests. Experiences at Library of Congress and examples of search strategies and menu systems are noted. (EJS)