SCORPIO (Subject Content-Oriented Retriever for Processing Information On-line), a set of computer programs developed by the Library of Congress for use by the Library Library's staff, is described. Intended as a users guide for those not trained in data processing, this document presents the system's general characteristics together with a…

Brief communications on learning and instructional technology from various persons in the fields of education, communications, and government are brought together in the report by the Commission on Instructional Technology. Following these contributions, the Committee makes six recommendations. Two of these are that two new institutions be…

A compilation of presentations on programs for the gifted includes the following: increasing opportunities for education, notes on Project Talent, talent development and national goals, talent identification in California, problems and recommendations in the area of the talented, innovations in talent development, issues and problems in modern…

An issue of "Soviet Cybernetics: Recent News Items" consists of English translations of the leading recent Soviet contributions to the study of cybernetics. Articles deal with cybernetics in the 21st Century; the Soviet State Committee on Science and Technology; economic reforms in Rudnev's ministry; an interview with Rudnev; Dnepr-2; Dnepr-2…

The historical and current status of information dissemination centers and the problem of user interface are reviewed. During the past decade, the problems of technical data processing have been conquered; information dissemination has evolved from a loosely knit group of experimental centers to an organization of established centers, many…

Four field tests of Canadian software show that computerized interactive fiction teaches both history and independent reading/study skills. (ARH)

This book examines human-computer interaction (HCI), with a focus on designing computer technology to be more usable by people. The book provides a multi-disciplinary approach to the subject through a synthesis of computer science, cognitive science, psychology, and sociology, and stresses a principled approach to interactive systems design that…

This paper describes preliminary work on "Multiple Intelligent Mentors Instructing Collaboratively" (MIMIC), an intelligent Web-based agent environment for learning instructional design. The focus is on developing theoretical foundations of instructional design and instructional theory that form the foundation for systems development. In the…

Computer mediated communication (CMC) tends to erase power structures because such communication somehow undermines or escapes discursive limits. Online discussions seem to promote rhetorical experimentation on the part of the participants. Finding a way to explain disparities between electronic discussion and oral discussion has proven difficult.…

Educational computing based on the primacy of human agency is explored, considering ways in which power can be apportioned and exercised in order to enhance educational computing. Ideas about power and control are situated epistemologically. A first consideration is educating for human control of computer technology. Research suggests that…

A difficult task in creating rich, exploratory interactive learning environments is building an environment that is truly engaging. Engagement can be defined as the nexus of intrinsic knowledge and/or interest and external stimuli that promote the initial interest in, and continued use of a computer-based learning environment. Complete and total…

Two abstracts and seventeen articles on computer assisted instruction (CAI) presented at the 1976 Association for Educational Data Systems (AEDS) convention are included here. Four new computer programs are described: Author System for Education and Training (ASET); GNOSIS, a Swedish/English CAI package; Statistical Interactive Programming System…

The work of a three-year series of experimental studies of human cognition is summarized in this report. Proglem solving and learning in man-machine interaction was investigated, as well as relevant variables and processes. The work included four separate projects: (1) computer-aided problem solving, (2) computer-aided instruction techniques, (3)…

Considers factors central to the design, specification, and implementation of a private bibliographic database for the documentation of internally generated techno-commercial reports at PA Technology, a scientific and technical consulting company. A survey of subject access and indexing needs, hardware and software design, and possible future…

Describes the alternatives used by the Penn State University libraries to respond to the challenge of providing access to the many different kinds of databases. Approaches include development of a generic interface based on the Z39.50 protocol; staff support, including instruction, reliable documentation, and staff involvement; and better user…