On-line student debate: An experiment in communication using computer Networks

A one-month experiment in man-computer-man communication using the Pitt time-sharing system and the SRI system in the ARPA Network is described. Thirteen graduate students in computer science served as experimental subjects, carrying out limited, pairwise debates on a selected set of controversial topics, with subsequent on-line critique. Besides studying the feasibility of this technique, the main purpose was to probe into the significance (if any) attributed by human communicators to the structure of files used for communicating information. Comparative systems performance and various user characteristics were also observed. Student reactions and other recorded data are interpretively discussed and summarized.     

ATE中的远距离操作指令传输系统研究

为解决大型测试设备工作过程中多操作人员协同的问题,设计了一种基于串行总线的操作指令远距离传输系统;以AT89C52单片机为核心,利用RS-422总线实现显示末端与测试控制计算机的通讯;扩展存储芯片进行汉字符存储,指令信息通过点阵液晶显示;可显示所有测试过程及测试指令,实现下位机操作人员对主控计算机的响应及二者的通讯;应用实践表明系统可靠性高、抗干扰性强、人机交互友好,简捷地实现了.测试过程中的多操作人员协同,对于提高测试效率有显著效果.     

Process assessment in dynamic testing using electronic tangibles

Task solving processes and changes in these processes have long been expected to provide valuable information about children's performance in school. This article used electronic tangibles (concrete materials that can be physically manipulated) and a dynamic testing format (pretest, training, and posttest) to investigate children's task solving processes and changes in these processes as a result of training. We also evaluated the value of process information for the prediction of school results. Participants were N = 253 children with a mean age of 7.8 years. Half of them received a graduated prompts training; the other half received repeated practice only. Three process measures were used: grouping behaviour, verbalized strategies, and completion time. Different measures showed different effects of training, with verbalized strategies showing the largest difference on the posttest between trained and untrained children. Although process measures were related to performance on our dynamic task and to math and reading performance in school, the amount of help provided during training provided the most predictive value to school results. We concluded that children's task solving processes provide valuable information, but the interpretation requires more research.     

Hohfeld in cyberspace and other applications of normative reasoning in agent technology

Two areas of importance for agents and multiagent systems are investigated: design of agent programming languages, and design of agent communication languages. The paper contributes in the above mentioned areas by demonstrating improved or novel applications for deontic logic and normative reasoning. Examples are taken from computer-supported cooperative work, and electronic commerce.