Heimo H. Adelsberger

Handbook on Information Technologies for Education and Training

The handbooks goal is to enable the reader to gain a deep understanding of past, current and future research and applications in the field of educational technology. The reader will gain an in-depth understanding of complex theories, strategies, concepts, and methods relating to the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of educational technologies. Because it combines both the present experience in the field and the vision of its emerging directions, the handbook will be a comprehensive guide for researchers and practitioners working with educational technologies. All the chapters of the second edition are newly written, the handbook therefore presents the latest developments in the field.

Expert systems and simulation

Artificial intelligence and expert systems are the latest buzzwords and the hottest topics in the scientific community today Some experts are proclaiming that artificial intelligence (AI) has already emerged as one of the most significant technologies of this cen tury. Proponents are declaring that it will completely revolu tionize management and the way computers are used. If these claims are even half true, then AI is bound to have a profound effect upon the art and science of simulation. This paper will provide an overview of this rapidly evolving field, examine the potential ofAl (and more particularly, expert systems) in simula tion and attempt to explore the probable impact as well as fore cast likely future directions.

Expert systems in production scheduling

Abstract One area of computer-related studies that has recently been receiving considerable publicity is the development of expert systems. The more noteworthy applications of this approach to problem-solving are still in engineering and the natural sciences, but a growing number of applications to problems in business management are beginning to appear. This paper reviews recent research and discusses the applicability of an ‘expert system’ approach to problems in production scheduling.

Commonalities in motivating environments for programmer/analysts in Austria, Israel, Singapore, and the U.S.A.

Abstract A comparison was made of perceptions of programmer/analysts on factors relating to motivation and goal setting/feedback in Austria, Israel, Singapore, and the United States of America. The JDS/DP, a modification of the Job Diagnostic Survey instrument, was used to collect data in these locations. The results indicated significant commonalities in the four populations. Not only were individual characteristics of growth need and social-need similar, but their perception of job-related variables were also quite similar. With this information, I.S. managers in the four countries can use proven universal techniques, such as job characteristics theory, for improving motivation of programmer/analysts.

Environments: Austria compared to the United States

The objective of the study was to analyze the motivation for computer personnel in Austria compared to the United States. A sample of more than 600 Austrian computer personnel was conducted, with the same diagnostic instruments used to derive a data base on motivation factors for 8,000 U.S. computer personnel. Seventeen Austrian organizations participated in the survey. The two survey populations were found to be quite similar in their rankings of motivation factors and in individual characteristics. Nevertheless, there was a mismatch for Austrian respondents on the two factors most important for motivation--individual need for growth as compared to the jobs motivating capacity. A procedure for improving this match is discussed after the survey results are analyzed.

Electronic Business and Education

In this chapter, we present the basic concepts of electronic business in general and in the context of educational settings. Individuals and organizations entering Electronic Education Markets must perform a careful analysis of needs, requirements, and potential benefits. We identify critical success factors and decision criteria for such projects. From a technological perspective, the main success factor is the interoperability of Electronic Markets and the participants’ systems. We provide a solution using XML-based standard specifications for trade processes and educational processes. The proposed architecture ensures the interchange of data and processes on Electronic Education Markets resulting in a framework for future developments.

Standardisierung von Lerntechnologien

Learning technology standards support the interoperability, portability, and re-use of learning resources. We present, classify, and explain the main activities in this field, focussing on the standards developed by the Learning Technology Standards Committee of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and by the Instructional Management Systems project. We focus on three standards: metadata for learning resources (Learning Object Metadata), learner profiles (Public and Private Information), and interoperability of learning systems (Computer Managed Instruction). We evaluate which standards might be widely used within the next years. Finally, we identify areas for further research and development.

Economic coordination mechanisms for holonic multi-agent systems

This paper discusses the importance of coordination mechanisms for holonic multi agent systems. Specifically the design of mechanisms for worth-oriented domains with transferable utility is discussed. The specific focus is on how to allocate a set of resources to a set of agents. Agents may express preferences for the complementary use of resources. Agents are assumed to be self-interested. An example demonstrates relevant concepts, such as economic efficiency, equilibrium, and surplus distribution. The importance of a rigid quality assessment is emphasized.

Design principle for teaching simulation with explorative learning environments

Teaching the highly complex domain of simulation requires well-elaborated strategies for efficient education. The authors present a well-structured approach to define the requirements for Web based simulation courses. Our approach is based on the Essen Learning Model (ELM) (J.M. Pawlowski, 2000), a development model supporting the development and specification of learning environments. The results of the Essen Learning Model development process describe the requirements for a learning environment being used in a computer based simulation course for graduate student of business information systems.

Data Modeling with IDEF1X

IDEF1X is a method for accomplishing logical database design for relational databases. This paper will give the reader an introduction to the methodology and terminology used as well as a summary of the syntax and semantics of IDEF1X.