Abe Crystal

Functionalities for automatic metadata generation applications: a survey of metadata experts' opinions

This paper reports on the automatic metadata generation applications (AMeGA) projects metadata expert survey. Automatic metadata generation research is reviewed and the studys methods, key findings and conclusions are presented. Participants anticipate greater accuracy with automatic techniques for technical metadata (e.g., ID, language, and format metadata) compared to metadata requiring intellectual discretion (e.g., subject and description metadata). Support for implementing automatic techniques paralleled anticipated accuracy results. Metadata experts are in favour of using automatic techniques, although they are generally not in favour of eliminating human evaluation or production for the more intellectually demanding metadata. Results are incorporated into Version 1.0 of the Recommended Functionalities for automatic metadata generation applications (Appendix A).

Augmenting memory for student learning: Designing a context‐aware capture system for biology education

The Memex Metadata for Student Portfolios (M2) project is using mobile technology to augment student memory and improve student learning. We have constructed a student-targeted Context Awareness Framework (CAF) and we are developing a metadata scheme that integrates the CAF with a variety of mobile technologies. In particular, we are exploring the use of Microsoft SenseCams, which capture images and sensory data approximately every 90 seconds and can extend student memory, enabling for an enriched learning experience for undergraduate biology students. We are exploring the use of SenseCams along with other mobile devices (e.g., a GIS and Tablet PC) for biology students conducting scientific field work such as specimen identification. The development of our CAF and metadata scheme also support the development of e-portfolios that can extend student memory and maintain useful records of educational activities. This paper presents research and development activities underlying the M2 project, including research methods, evaluation activities, and next steps.

Interface design for metadata creation

The rapid growth of the Web has increased the importance of decentralized metadata creation. Resource authors must create their own metadata to enable enhanced information seeking and retrieval, and they need effective interfaces to support their work. This paper reports a baseline study of author interactions with a metadata system and draws implications for the design of future interfaces.

It's eleven o'clock: do you know where your identity is?

Identity theft continues to be a growing problem in our society. This paper describes a poster session that will give attendees the opportunity to consider identity issues related to campus life and how we might better educate our campus communities. We will describe what identity means, ways in which it might be abused in our campus environments, and how to balance risks and benefits. We will also provide tips on how faculty, staff, and students can better protect themselves and others. All attendees will be asked to complete an anonymous checklist to gauge how well we, as computer support professionals, protect our identities. The poster content is based on a symposium held in February 2004 on the UNC Chapel Hill campus.

Who's my daddy?: an approach to decentralized information architecture

INTRODUCTION Structured navigation is extremely important for supporting users’ information-seeking tasks and understanding of online information spaces [1]. In a centralized environment, information architects (IAs) can provide such support by developing organization and navigation systems using standard techniques [2]. However, decentralized information sytems are becoming more prevalent due to improved content management tools and their potential advantages, such as greater flexibility and reduced costs [3].