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Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Post-Training Support For Learning Technology, Sam Snoddy Jr., David G. Novick
Post-Training Support For Learning Technology, Sam Snoddy Jr., David G. Novick
Departmental Papers (CS)
To examine the effects of post-training support, we studied the introduction of new gradebook software in a public high school. The school's 108 faculty members received training on the software, and approximately half of the faculty received posttraining support for eight weeks. The study measured the faculty's current computer usage, usage of earlier versions of the software, and their perceived skill levels in using the software. The data suggest that the faculty members who received post-training support maintained and raised their skill levels, while unsupported faculty had their skill levels decline.
Assessing Effectiveness Of Personality Style In Documentation, Kenneth Sayles, David G. Novick
Assessing Effectiveness Of Personality Style In Documentation, Kenneth Sayles, David G. Novick
Departmental Papers (CS)
This paper extends previous work by other researchers that indicated that users of computers preferred a computer with a personality that was similar to theirs. We conducted a similar experiment, but looking beyond preference to see if the personality of documentation would make a difference in the user’s performance. Our data suggest did not indicate that personality match affects performance; and if such a relationship exists it is likely to be weak. We discuss the related research, describe our methodology, present our results, and describe their implications and limitations.
Hands-Free Documentation, Karen Ward, David G. Novick
Hands-Free Documentation, Karen Ward, David G. Novick
Departmental Papers (CS)
In this paper, we introduce an analysis of the requirements and design choices for hands-free documentation. Hands-busy tasks such as cooking or car repair may require substantial interruption of the task: moving the pan off the burner and wiping hands, or crawling out from underneath the car. We review the need for hands-free documentation and explore the role of task in the use of documentation. Our central analysis examines the roles and characteristics of input and output modalities of hands-free documentation. In particular, we review the use of speech as an input modality, and then visual means and speech as …
An Interaction Initiative Model For Documentation, David G. Novick, Karen Ward
An Interaction Initiative Model For Documentation, David G. Novick, Karen Ward
Departmental Papers (CS)
In this paper we propose a model of creation and use of documentation based on the concept of mixed-initiative interaction. In our model, successful single-initiative interaction is characterized by grounding of contributions, and successful mixed-initiative interaction is characterized by both grounding and agreement. Just as in spoken conversation, achievement of actual agreement depends on the intentions of both parties; agreement is achieved when the reader follows the documentation’s instructions. In fact, readers are not obligated to—and often do not—act according to the author’s intentions. By making these dynamics explicit, the model can aid authors in developing effective documentation. The paper …
Extending Direct Manipulation In A Text Editor, David G. Novick, Francisco Romero, Edgar Rene Saenz, Armando Sandoval
Extending Direct Manipulation In A Text Editor, David G. Novick, Francisco Romero, Edgar Rene Saenz, Armando Sandoval
Departmental Papers (CS)
This paper describes the implementation of a prototype text editor that incorporates conversation-like features through the direct-manipulation modality. In this way, traditional direct-manipulation interaction techniques such as direct reference via pointing can be extended to include techniques more commonly associated with human conversation, such as negotiation of reference. The paper illustrates the use of the prototype with an extended example, and discusses research issues raised by the implementation.
Users And Uses Of Synchronous Business Communications Software, David G. Novick, Eleanor Wynn
Users And Uses Of Synchronous Business Communications Software, David G. Novick, Eleanor Wynn
Departmental Papers (CS)
To help designers and authors understand users' intentions and work practices for synchronous business communications in a systematic way, we used ethnographic and task-analytic techniques to collect, analyze and classify evidence of the activities of potential users as they conducted their work lives. The interactions we observed among our users took place through a variety of modalities. We found eight categories of tasks for the collaborative or interactive work in which our subjects engaged. Based on these data, we were able to classify roles of potential users of synchronous business communications software into a set of "archetypes" that characterize their …