Links
Course Documents
     Register
     Main Page
     Assignments
     Contact Information
     Course Announcement
     Schedule and Syllabus
     Course Participants
     Discussion Forum
     Swiki Chat
     Lecture Material
     Independent Research
     Projects
     Questionnaires
     Previous Course
Swiki Features:
  View this Page
  Edit this Page
  Printer Friendly View
  Lock this Page
  References to this Page
  Uploads to this Page
  History of this Page
  Top of the Swiki
  Recent Changes
  Search the Swiki
  Help Guide
Related Links:
     Atlas Program
     Center for LifeLong Learning and Design
     Computer Science Department
     Institute of Cognitive Science
     College of Architecture and Planning
     University of Colorado at Boulder
Briefly discuss the following issues:

1. what did you find

1.1. interesting about the article?

I found it interesting that the abstract idea of representing the "right information" for a job can be represented visually with a Venn diagram. I also found it interesting that there was such thing as a UNIX consultant. I looked for more information, since I was wondering if it was available for use, and found it was an old project from the 80's for "naive" users. I am still interested in the project and would like to know what type of user I am and whether I am a naive user, and also the details of how the project went. I also found the WEST project very interesting. I thought it was an interesting game, and that it was a good example of a simple project to test concepts related to active help systems.

1.2. not interesting about the article?

Nothing.

2. what do you consider the main message of the article?

That there are many different ways to help users, but that the best ways say the right thing at the right time.

3. to which other previous articles / discussion topics of the course is this article related?

This is related to a lot of things we have discussed and read in class. The tip of the day, critiquing systems, and DODEs were all described and discussed in the article. It talked about push and pull information access.

4. choose MS-Word (or another HFA) as an example:

MS-Word.

4.1. how much (in percent) of the functionality of the HFA do you know?

I am particularly good at using the undo function! Just a joke. I know how to make charts and graphs. I know how to use drag and drop to structure. I can use macros but I don't do it. I use the equation editor sometimes. I have forgotten how to use the mail merge. There are a lot of things you can do in Word that I don't even know about, so it is hard for me to determine what percent I know. I would guess about 10%.

4.2. how do you learn new functionality?

By trial and error or by looking at the help system. I like trial and error better.

4.3. for MS-Word users: is there a command in MS-Word which “transposes two characters” (e.g., “leanr” becomes “learn” by positioning the cursor between n and r and executing the command)?

Only if you design a macro for it.

5. what have YOU learnt “on demand” in YOUR life? Briefly describe the most prominent example.

Cooking. I have learned that the most important thing for me is the recipe. It must have these properties: it must be very precise, and it must be from a good source. I have learned many tips "on demand" from people, too. One that is particularly good is that sauteing usually involves oil and some sort of savory vegetable like garlic or onions. In the case of sauteing with onions it is good to let them cook in the oil until the water begins to leave the vegetable. This is just a small example of something that I learned while cooking with the help of a friend watching over me.

6. what do people have to know to be able to learn on demand?

They have to know the best possible source of information at hand for their needs and how to use this source.

7. why should one “learn on demand” instead of relying on “use on demand”?

So one can make the transition from novice to skilled worker.

8. which computer systems have you encountered which

8.1. have a User Modeling Component?

Not many besides Microsoft Word, and most Macromedia products.

8.2. support learning on demand?

I'm not quite sure I understand what learning on demand means. If it means what it should logically mean, then every piece of software or hardware that I use supports learning on demand.

View this PageEdit this PagePrinter Friendly ViewLock this PageReferences to this PageUploads to this PageHistory of this PageTop of the SwikiRecent ChangesSearch the SwikiHelp Guide