Reports on design and rationale of Online Access to Knowledge, a computer intermediary developed by Online Access to Knowledge Project to enable users with little or no training or experience in bibliographic searching to conduct their own searches. Topics covered include software design, tutorials and assistance programs, and conclusions based on…

Discussion of research on computer-aided instruction (CAI) focuses on a set of questions and hypotheses that form the basis for research on the effectiveness of CAI. Four factors are highlighted: (1) the medium (including interactive videodisc); (2) the environment; (3) student characteristics; and (4) topic of instruction. (38 references) (LRW)

Discussion of teaching college level mathematics using computer algebra systems (CAS) focuses on a new microcomputer-based teaching/learning environment called Computer Algebra and Logo (CAL). Highlights include the teachers' role in the development of mathematics teaching and learning environments; methods and goals of implementation; and…

Discussion of the human-technology interface highlights computer technology in relation to the management of open and distance learning for adults. Examples from higher education and continuing education in Australia are presented, and design considerations for technology-based delivery systems for adults are suggested. (13 references) (LRW)

This study investigated the usefulness of end user systems to library and information science students. Seventeen volunteers were offered free searching on BRS/After Dark and DIALOG's Knowledge Index. The search itself, postsearch questionnaire, and completed research papers were analyzed for databases used, cost and time online, and precision.…

Describes the design and development of an image database for photographs in the Ulster Museum (Northern Ireland) that used parallelism from a transputer network. Topics addressed include image processing techniques; documentation needed for the photographs, including indexing, classifying, and cataloging; problems; hardware and software aspects;…

Describes the Mercury Electronic Library, a project at Carnegie Mellon University that involved development of software for an electronic library, implementation of the software by the university libraries, and stimulation of the market for electronic publishing. The library information system interface and databases and the computing system…

Discusses cultural diversity in human-computer interactions and in the design of online systems. Topics addressed include cognitive psychology; North American and European ethnocentricity; online systems and their organizational setting; models for organization culture; corporate culture; international systems and country-specific cultures; and…

Describes an educational computer network, SuperInterface, that could be used for telestudy for university education. Topics discussed include computer-supported collaborative work; computer-based learning; multimedia databases, or electronic books; human-machine interfaces; hardware, software, and groupware; learners; teachers; organizations and…

Highlights the changes that have occurred from 1987-93 in database access systems. Topics addressed include types of databases, including CD-ROMs; enduser interface; database selection; database access management, including library instruction and use of primary literature; economic issues; database users; the search process; and improving…

Describes virtual personal computing, a computer-based educational infrastructure for all students from kindergarten through college, as a step toward meeting national educational goals. New technologies that make this concept possible are described, including the Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL); and the theoretical basis of the virtual…

Describes approaches to developing software automating instructional design (ID), including comparison of information management and expert system approaches. Topics addressed include alternative ID automation systems; ID variables; authoring assistance software; the nature of ID expertise; user-system communication; system evaluation; and user…

Discusses software engineering and suggests necessary elements in a software engineering curriculum. Topics addressed include the importance of theory, project-oriented education, prototyping, exploratory programing, human-computer communication, thought models, distributed systems, parallel processing, documentation, testing and quality…

Examines one possible side effect of using computer technology for learning. Argues that the pattern of externalizing skills that is part of the character of computers results in an atrophying of many of the most essential inner qualities that students need to develop. Gives examples involving Internet-based communication. (Author/AEF)

Describes a study that investigated the effects of cognitive style (field dependent and field independent) and online database search experience (novice and experienced) on undergraduate World Wide Web search performance. Considers user factors to predict search efficiency and discusses implications for Web interface design and user training…