A minimal class of cybernetic models needed in making the transition from a description of control systems to a description of social systems is discussed. Several applications are considered in connection with studies of learning and creativity in individuals and small groups. Possible extrapolations of these to social systems are suggested.…

Ninety-six 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students, randomly selected to include equal numbers from each grade level, from both sexes, and from each ability quartile were randomly assigned to either experimental or control procedures. The experimental group used the computer to select courses, while the control group was assisted by the counselor.…

SCHOLAR is a computer-assisted instruction (CAI) system which is capable of true man-computer dialog. Using a subset of English, the system is capable of generating questions, answering questions, analyzing responses, and producing subsequent actions. SCHOLAR has a data base that is a complex but well defined information structure in the form of a…

The first phase of an ongoing library automation project at Stanford University is described. Project BALLOTS (Bibliographic Automation of Large Library Operations Using a Time-Sharing System) seeks to automate the acquisition and cataloging functions of a large library using an on-line time-sharing computer. The main objectives are to control…

Three operations relevant to preparing a data base and supporting scripts are discussed in considerable detail. Section One enumerates the activities which constitute the collection and documentation of a data base. The material presented is relatively nontechnical and requires no knowledge of computers. Section Two discusses the preparation of…

The ideas for innovations in learning systems in this report are based on a scenario being developed for the Minnesota Experimental City. The primary function of the new system being developed in Minnesota is to assist the individual learner to discover his interests, assess his needs, set his learning objectives, and pursue these objectives. The…

A generalizable procedure for the analysis and design of information systems is described in the context of allied and supporting data methods, design assessment, and project management considerations. This procedure follows from a view of information systems development as a complex series of goal-directed iterations, rather than a well-ordered…

The information system of the Educational Resource Information Center (ERIC) program and that of information System for Vocational Decisions (ISVD) are compared. The ERIC system, with its focus on data reduction and interactive retrieval, is seen as lacking certain crucial components which would make of it an information generating system, one…

The focus in this working paper is on the process of mediation through which occupational facts/data become part of a personal educational process. Numerous points are covered: (1) the relationship between media and mediation; (2) vocational development as a goal of occupational information mediation; (3) personal responsibility for goal…

Describes how a librarian, assisted by a knowledge engineer, developed a computerized reference assistance system for a separate government documents department. Rationale for the expert system, problems in selecting reference materials and user questions to computerize, and the formulation of a workable human/computer interface are covered. A…

Discusses grammar and spelling instruction in The Netherlands for students aged 10-15 and describes an intelligent computer-assisted instructional environment consisting of a linguistic expert system, a didactic module, and a student interface. Three prototypes are described: BOUWSTEEN and COGO for analyzing sentences, and TDTDT for conjugating…

Proposes a framework for the design of a full function workstation for information retrieval based on study of information seeking behavior. A large amount of local storage of the CD-ROM jukebox variety and full networking capability to both local and external databases are identified as requirements of the prototype. (MES)

Describes DIALTWIG, a program written in IBM PASCAL and operating on IBM Personal Computer, which is used to emulate features of DIALOG Retrieval System and reduce cost of online training. Structured search assignments are performed on information science database and database reporting student research at Brigham Young University. (4 references)…

Compares artificial intelligence and information retrieval paradigms for natural language understanding, reviews progress to date, and outlines the applicability of artificial intelligence to question answering systems. A list of principal artificial intelligence software for database front end systems is appended. (CLB)

Describes the development of a computer program for a high school library that has the capability of printing out bibliographic citations by author, subject, title, accession number, comment, and format (book, audiovisual kit, computer program). Considerations and techniques involved in the design of the program and sample screens are included.…