The principal human factors engineering issue in robotics is the division of labor between automation (robots) and human beings. This issue reflects a prime human factors engineering consideration in systems design--what equipment should do and what operators and maintainers should do. Understanding of capabilities and limitations of robots and…

Discussion of intelligent tutoring systems highlights various instructional models which emphasize experiential interactions. Topics discussed include computer assisted instruction; instructional strategies; the TICCIT system; branching; the Socratic method; definitions of tutoring and instruction; students' interactions with the computer; advisor…

A tutorial introduction to the evaluation of communications software (enables microcomputer to function as terminal for purposes of communicating with remote device) covers computing hardware, modems, installation and operation, file transfers, printer controls, unattended reception, terminal emulation, documentation, and price. Detailed reviews…

Examines two primary roles played by natural language processing in storage and retrieval of information and outlines organization of natural language interface for data retrieval (question-answering system) and approaches being taken to text analysis. Research issues in computational linguistics and interactive knowledge acquisition are…

Argues that factors that create a feeling of interactivity in the human situation--response time, spontaneity, lack of distractors--should be included as prime elements in the design of human/machine systems, e.g., computer assisted instruction and interactive video. A computer/videodisc learning system for cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and its…

Discusses theory of mental models--i.e., representations of relationships within a system which enable the user to produce mental simulations of the system's actions and develop ways of dealing with it--and its implications for user training, interface design, and overall systems design. (EJS)

Describes a feasibility study which investigated the effects of introducing microcomputers in primary school classrooms with teachers having no previous experience with their use. A 10-item bibliography is included. (CHC)

Suggests priorities for research involved in student interactive modes of learning such as computer explorations, games and simulations, and practicum experiences. Priorities are evaluation, costs, and the degree to which students are able to transcend the immediate experience. (KC)

The substantial use of educational television by the Open University has not yet taken advantage of the potential for interactive learning through use of video replay. The traditional broadcast format has predominated. (MSE)

Suggests the designation of overlapping hierarchies in thesauri, first outlined in 1973, as a key element in progress towards a successful man-machine partnership. Article updates, expands, and provides theoretical background of 1973 proposal; postulates use of the UDC; and suggests means of distinguishing overlapping terms from other…

Presents evidence to show that the body plays a continuing and fundamental part in the process of thinking and the development of the knowledge used to think. Topics discussed include knowledge structures and representations; artificial intelligence; feeling; learning processes; models of knowledge; information retrieval; and implications for…

A comparison of the theoretically enormous potential of computer assisted instruction (CAI) to individualize instruction with its limited present-day realization indicates that computers are limiting to students. Rather than attributing effective CAI to its mythical ability to tailor instruction, instructional developers should evaluate exactly…

Discussion of the use of dynamic data resources, such as Internet LISTSERVs or Usenet newsgroups, focuses on an experiment using an automated filtering system with Usenet newsgroups. Highlights include user satisfaction, based on retrieval size, data sources, and user interface and the need for some human mediation. (Contains two references.) (LRW)

Discussion of users and information retrieval systems highlights a study that investigated the representation of users' knowledge by examining their names for objects and concepts, agreement on names, the Library of Congress Subject Headings representation for similar objects and concepts, and measurement of the similarity between these…

Unlike conventional information retrieval systems, natural language processing (NLP) systems translate queries automatically into the language of the system. This paper discusses the potential impact of NLP on both the indexing and retrieval of text and examines some current NLP projects and systems that have established knowledge bases in narrow…