Dialogue expertise in man-machine systems

The present paper considers the nature of interaction in man-machine systems with special attention to the role of dialogue. Based upon this understanding, a concept of 'dialogue expertise' is derived in a specific facility for mediation. In particular, it is the ability to mediate between user and system so as to (one way) map operator objectives onto system functions, and (the other way) express systems states in terms which are meaningful to the operator. This leads to the view that dialogue expertise is feasible in man-machine sytems through the use of functional separation in the design of interface systems

Helping out by helping in : approaches to electronic submission of coursework

In this paper, we seek to address a range of issues that affect the use and applicability of electronic coursework submission. Key among these issues is the need to characterise the available mechanisms for supporting such submission. Allied to this, we require an appraisal of the strengths and weaknesses that would enable us to distinguish and choose wisely among the alternatives

Varieties of dialogue in man-machine systems

The performance of man-machine systems may be improved by focusing in design on the nature and quality of dialogue between operator and system. This paper discusses the characteristics of such interaction

Desktop security as a three-dimensional problem

In this paper we argue against viewing computer desktop security solely as a technical issue. Instead, we propose a perspective that combines three related dimensions: technical infrastructure, usability and user engagement. In this light, we suggest that a viable approach to desktop security should embrace these three key dimensions of the end-user context. An example desktop application is described that has been engineered to embody these dimensions in support of the desktop user

Review of software applications for deriving collocations

The field of collocation extraction has enjoyed considerable growth and vitality from the 1990s onwards. Our research uncovered a multitude of software programs that can derive collocations from textual data, but also introduced the following question: Which one is the most fitting for the task of extracting collocations from a corpus? This paper attempts to answer the previous question. We start by stating the criteria on which we based our judgement of the software applications included in our review. We then move on to give a brief description of each package, in terms of its functions, merits and demerits. We conclude by stating which of the packages was deemed, according to our opinion, the most appropriate for our purposes and provide a summary table of the results of the software review

Dynamic second language support for Web-based information systems

Non-native speakers of English are faced with the 'second language problem' when required to interact with English-based information systems. This paper describes strategies for addressing the problem, which arises through difficulties in comprehension, in the context of Web-based information systems, by means of a dynamic annotation of English language Web pages

English Assistant : a support strategy for online second language learning

This paper presents an approach to the provision of on-line assistance for learners of English as a second language. The basis for this design is the application of directed support in the form of 'dynamic annotation' to English information. Critically, we aim to provide aid where it is likely to be needed most. Our work falls into two parts. Firstly, we have a mechanism that facilitates the dynamic annotation of English content web pages. Secondly, we are investigating the application of criteria to drive the decision-making that underlies such support

Developing a conceptual model for exploring emergence

Emergence is a fundamental property of complex systems and can be thought of as a new property or behaviour which appears due to non-linear interactions within the system; emergence may be considered to be the 'product' or by-product of the system. For example, within social systems, social capital, the World Wide Web, law and indeed civilization in general may be considered emergent, although all within different time scales. As our world becomes increasingly more interconnected, understanding how emergence arises and how to design for and manage specific types of emergence is ever more important. To date, the concept of emergence has been mainly used as an explanatory framework (as used by Johnson 2001), to inform the logic of action research (Mitleton-Kelly 2004) or as a means of exploring the range of emergent potential of simulation of real complex systems (Axelrod 2003). If we are to improve our ability to manage and control emergence, we need first to directly study the phenomenon of emergence, its causes and consequences across real complex systems

DEUCE : a test-bed for evaluating ESL competence criteria

This paper describes work in progress to apply a Web-based facility for evaluating differing criteria for English language competence. The proposed system, Discriminated Evaluation of User's Competence with English (DEUCE), addresses the problem of determining the efficacy of individual criteria for competence in English as a Second Language (ESL). We describe the rationale, design and application of DEUCE and outline its potential as a discriminator for ESL competence criteria and as a basis for low cost mass ESL competence testing

A methodology for exploring emergence in learning communities

Learning communities are becoming increasingly complex in nature, often being used to drive multiple agendas. For example, there is an increasing move to develop learning cities which seek to draw on synergies to both improve citizen learning and skills as well as economic regeneration. Such synergy-driven learning communities, of which the learning cities are but one example, seek to utilise interaction to develop 'emergent products', be it at the individual level or the system-wide level, which could not be produced in isolation. Successfully enabling emergence is critical to their success. Designing for specific types of emergence is however difficult given the intrinsic unpredictability of complex systems. Insight into the intrinsic characteristics of these synergy-driven learning communities and how their interaction leads to emergence over time is required. This paper reports on the methodology developed to explore these highly complex learning communities. The approach adopted was to combine exploratory case studies which established the intrinsic characteristics of the learning communities with an exploration of emergence guided by a meta-level conceptual framework of emergence. This was augmented by secondary data to aid triangulation and provide rigour. As well as discussing the rationale for the adopted approach, implementation issues and the rich information set obtained are discussed using specific case examples. Findings from the investigations led to recommendations regarding future development of appropriate methods for seeding and managing such complex learning communities. The meta level framework means the approach may be readily adapted to other complex social system