Virtual worlds technology (VWT) uses special computer hardware and software to link humans with computers in natural ways. A data model, or virtual world, is created and presented as a three-dimensional world of sights and sounds. The participant manipulates apparent objects in the world, and in so doing, alters the data model. VWT will become…

This article focuses on the effectiveness of computer-based instruction (CBI) screen designs, including their benefits and limitations, as well as human constraints in designing effective CBI. The paper begins with an overview of what comprises an effective CBI screen design, including characteristics of human factors, how information must be…

A study in eastern Ontario, Canada, evaluated a computer program, the Autoskill Component Reading Subskills Program, which was used to improve the reading comprehension of elementary school students identified as reading disabled. Subjects, 91 students from five school districts, were behind at least one grade in reading word recognition skills…

Concerns about the current educational technology movement are discussed in these four papers which were presented during a seminar of 20 representatives from 10 Council for Educational Development and Research (CEDaR) member institutions. The first by Marcella Pitts and E. Joseph Schneider provides an overview of the educational technology…

The author considers it essential that linguists develop the means to communicate their findings to those who may need them. The applications of linguistics have spread far beyond the traditional field of foreign language study to native language acquisition, social functions of speech differences, literacy, language standardization,…

The modern, miniaturized computer as in information processor has radically altered the logic of three commonplaces regarding computer-based learning: (1) that the machine exerts a dehumanizing effect on the educational process, (2) that computers are too expensive to prove cost-effective in education, and (3) that the computer's facility in…

Some basic concepts and types of computer assisted instruction (CAI) are presented, and their application in college and university settings is considered. CAI literature of the late 1960's--including descriptions of specific CAI systems together with studies of instructional effectiveness, learning time, and student attitudes--is then summarized.…

Batch mode processing is compared, using cost-effectiveness, with on-line processing for computer-aided searching of chemical abstracts. Consideration for time, need, coverage, and adaptability are found to be the criteria by which a searcher selects a method, and sometimes both methods are used. There is a tradeoff between batch mode's slower…

A pilot study was conducted to investigate the application of the PLATO IV system to training interpersonal skills. As part of the development of an experimental design to be undertaken in the future, several activities were involved. Suitable interpersonal skills were considered and a single one, giving effective performance feedback, was chosen…

The actual workings of the Educational and Career Exploration System (ECES) are described. The functions of the system are divided into three general phases: (1) an occupational information bank for exploring occupations; (2) an educational information bank for exploring training programs and educational areas of study; and (3) a junior…

Computer assisted instruction (CAI) can achieve its potential as a tool for individualizing instruction only if the flexible logic and memory capabilities of computers are utilized. An instructional program must be written in such a way that it can handle at least three variables: (a) who is being taught; (b) what is critical; and (c) how the…

An analysis of the conceptual feasibility of using automatic speech recognition and understanding technology in the design of an advanced training system was conducted. The analysis specifically explored application to Ground Controlled Approach (GCA) controller training. A systems engineering approach was followed to determine the feasibility of…

Descriptions and appraisals of significant recent trends and developments in the field of information science are presented. The eleven individual chapters deal, respectively, with the following topics: 1) the economics of information, 2) document description and representation, 3) automated language processing, 4) microform technology, 5) library…

The 24 papers listed report the findings of a study funded by the Office of Naval Research. The study concentrated on the sensory and cognitive factors in man-machine interfaces. The papers are categorized into three groups: perception studies, human engineering studies, and methodological papers. A brief summary of the most noteworthy findings in…

All aspects of a five-week field test of the Information System for Vocational Decisions (ISVD) are reported. Sixteen students were involved; each averaged 3.5 sessions with the system. Results indicate that the most frequently accessed script was the Occupational Preference Script. Nearly half of the students (seven) accessed three data files,…