The author suggests that the next major advance in educational technology is likely to come with the development of tactile communication devices and multi-sensory programmed environments." Appended are eleven references. (Author/AA)

Interactive systems must be designed to furnish error information to the user and must be able to accept a modification to the input and continue to cycle until convergence on the desired output is reached. (10 references) (Author)

Reports a preliminary investigation into the man-machine interaction aspects of online searching, including the methodology developed for observing and recording man-machine interface in the use of online information retrieval systems. Three references are cited, and a bibliography lists 16 sources. (FM)

Presents an approach which can provide explanations to user questions in human-machine communication in a flexible way. To determine the contents of explanations, scripts are used which have different optional components organized according to the intentions of user questions to meet their information needs. (Author/LRW)

Presents a fuzzy evaluation method of SGML documents based on computing with words. Topics include filtering the amount of information available on the Web to assist users in their search processes; document type definitions; linguistic modeling; user-system interaction; and use with XML and other markup languages. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of users of information retrieval systems focuses on a machine-learning approach to inferring the user's context in the Okapi system. Results of an evaluation experiment are given, and it is concluded that context learning can help information retrieval systems adapt to users' particular queries. (Author/LRW)

Proposes a three-level framework for classifying elearning (electronic learning) interactions in distance education. Illustrates how the framework may be used to design and sequence electronic learning interactions, analyze planned interactions to reduce the need for costly revisions, and organize research to help interpret findings and guide…

Knowledge-based expert systems used as job aids or job coaches can cut the amount of training time significantly and reduce training costs. (SK)

Describes a project that developed two expert systems for library cataloging using the second edition of the Anglo American Cataloging Rules (AACR2) as a knowledge base. The discussion covers cataloging as interpretation, the structure of AACR2, and the feasibility of using expert systems for cataloging in traditional library settings. (26…

This reprint from "Designing the User Interface: Strategies for Effective Human-Computer Interaction" (Shneiderman) discusses the impact of computers on individuals and society. Highlights include individual opportunities for learning, entertainment, and cooperation through networking; problems with the use of computer systems; and the…

Discusses how to design effective user interfaces for computer-based training (CBT) programs. Four types of interfaces are described: presentation, including consistency; conversation, including feedback and flexibility; navigation; and explanation, including online help. A job aid for evaluating CBT interfaces is included. (Contains 13…

Virtual reality, a three-dimensional simulation technology, may best be used (1) when training mistakes would be costly; (2) when the environment cannot be experienced in the real world; (3) to improve human-machine interfaces; (4) to make training situations real; and (5) to make the perceptible imperceptible. (SK)