Karl L. Zinn

Computer facilitation of communication within professional communities

This report is based on several projects at the University of Michigan. The software used is CONFER, a computer-augmented conferencing program. Access is provided nationally through TELENET data services. The paper describes hardware and software for information systems at the University of Michigan, the development of CONFER, and a rationale for computer-aided communication within professional communities. Six applications of this particular software and system are summarized: national committees, regional planning groups, on-campus working groups, and user consulting services. One innovative application (support of an international congress held recently in Ann Arbor) is described in detail. Computer-based conununications were used for sending messages, adjusting schedules, planning additional sessions and trips, and developing written material through computer-mediated caucuses on specific topics. Contributions of computing to professional communications are summarized, with particular attention given to projected impact on teaching and research in universities.

Computer-based educational communications at the University of Michigan

A series of studies at the University of Michigan has explored information systems as a basis for learning environments (Zinn, 1974). Currently staff at the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching (CRLT) is looking at educational uses of computer-based conferencing, for example, computer-based seminars and computer-assisted curriculum development. Departments trying other uses, for example, computer-based committee work and computer-aided proposal preparation, find the basic software developed at CRLT to be applicable. However, some of the procedures described here are modified for the various purposes. A paper now in preparation by the same authors reports the history of computer-based conferencing at the University of Michigan. In brief, the activity did not become practical until the spring of 1975 when the CONFER I program (in Fortran) was completed by Robert Parnes. The conferencing software did not receive much use outside the circle of people interested in the software development until CONFER II became operational in the fall. A year of experience provides clear indication of the scope of conferencing applications and the resources needed for effective use. The first section of this note gives a rationale for the use of computer assistance in seminars, curriculum development and other educational activity. It concludes with a checklist intended for the potential organizer of a conference. The second section provides data on phase one of a study of conferencing applied in seminars and individual study. The third section discusses costs, time commitments and benefits. A fourth section describes implications of computer-based educational communications for the University of Michigan.

Requirements for effective authoring systems and assistance

In this paper the present state of the art in authoring systems is surveyed and the other papers in this special issue are introduced.

Computers in the instructional process: directions for research and development

A survey is given of computer applications to the instructional process which suggests how the computer professional can contribute to effective educational systems.

An Overview of Current Developments in Computer‐Assisted Learning in the United States

Abstract Current developments and trends in computer‐assisted learning (CAL) in the United States are described for persons from other countries seeking information about present activities and future possibilities. Materials selected call attention to new directions encouraged by dramatic changes in the technology, associated trends, and possible futures. The domain of CAL is interpreted broadly to include learning about, with and through computers. For example, learning about computers (general literacy in computer uses) may contribute to learning with computers (simulation, gaming, problem‐solving, and creative activities). After a brief statement about trends, the article provides a summary of kinds of use of computing in learning in the US and commentary on applications in various areas. Additional interpretation is offered in a description of needed developments in various aspects of the technology and selected areas of application, and in closing comments on the future.

Programming support and faculty development: A view from an instructional computing consulting service

Three purposes have motivated this presentation. First, I would like to provide information about two projects in which I am involved in Michigan. The one of most interest for this symposium is Project EXTEND, a small college consulting service for instructional computing. The second is the MERIT network computing project, a prototype for a regional computing service in Michigan. Further details about both of these can be obtained from the references (Zinn et. al., 1971; Herzog, 1972; Carroll et. al., 1971). Second, I would like to report some of my experiences with user services and faculty consultation. Although my experience has been primarily with University of Michigan faculty, recently I have extended these services to the small college environment.

Development of applications for the MERIT computing network

The Michigan Education Research and Information Triad (MERIT) is an incorporated organization which grew out of four years of deliberations by the Michigan Interuniversity Committee on Information Systems (MICIS) o The parent committee (MICIS) includes vice presidents, computing center administrators and educational researchers at the three largest universities in the State: Michigan State, the University of Michigan and Wayne State. Not limited to computer systems, MICIS considers information systems of all kinds; for example, it helped organize the Regional Medical Library Program for this area.

PLURALYSIS IN/OF THE COMPUTER LITERACY MOVEMENT

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the pluralysis in/of the computer literacy movement. The problems caused by illiteracy regarding computers need to be alleviated; the benefits of improved knowledge and skill regarding computing and information systems need to be extended throughout the population. The different needs of individual teachers and the different approaches to providing literacy justify some variety in teacher training. Many educators are learning on their own, using self-instruction materials and courses offered by vendors. Some of the national strategies for implementing computer literacy are assessment of needs, cooperation between public and private sectors, update of government regulations, involvement of all parties in decision making, and concerted action.

Confer at the ISTA congress

Computing and telecommunications were used during the Second International Congress of the International Society for Technology Assessment (ISTA) to facilitate the discussion and contribute to the Congress report. In particular, the telecommunications activity was designed to enhance interaction on substantive issues and convergence on conclusions and interpretations. Only incidentally were we conducting an experiment or trial (with support from NSF) for a community of potential users of computer-aided conferencing.

SIGCUE (Paper Session)

A provocative session on computer-based learning and communication environments will be sponsored by SIGCUE. Presentations on innovative uses of computers in education will include: computer-based conferencing as a resource and medium (Karl Zinn, et al); a model for advanced applications of computing technology and an accompanying film (Thomas Dwyer); and a description of the use of graphics in elementary mathematics instruction (Harold Abelson).