Robert J. Mills

Knowledge, Interest, Recall and Navigation: A Look at Hypertext Processing

This study examines how knowledge and interest affect recall of information from a hypertext environment. Participants were 34 undergraduates enrolled at a college of education in a large western university. Results indicate that domain knowledge significantly predicted both structured and unstructured reading recall of a hypertext. In contrast to patterns found within research on traditional reading environments, interest did not significantly affect recall of hypertext information. Differential navigation patterns emerged in conjunction with varying levels of knowledge and may help to explain these results. The results are discussed in terms of current schema theoretic models of reading comprehension.

Children's Hypertext Navigation Strategies.

Abstract Research investigating the nature of reader’s navigational choices indicates at least three recurring patterns among hypertext users. Each of these patterns is marked by the type and amount of resources visited and the level of text processing that occurs. Conclusions from prior research have highlighted that navigation seems to be a strategy some readers employ better and more efficiently than others. However, the majority of these studies have investigated experienced adult readers. Because navigational choices are made strategically, it stands to reason that children, who have less strategic knowledge with respect to reading, may navigate differently than their adult counterparts. This study was undertaken to identify if similar or different navigational profiles emerge for younger readers of hypertext documents. In addition, knowledge and interest variables were examined to illuminate why differences may or may not occur. Results indicate that both adult and adolescent readers use the same navigational profiles. However, the order of prominence of the profiles differed between the two groups. Differences appear to be linked to the level of exposure to a given domain rather than experience navigating computer environments.

Examining Micro-Level (SQL) Curriculum-Oriented and Promotional IS Enrollment Strategies

ABSTRACT Maintaining enrollments in information systems programs capable of meeting industry demands is an ongoing challenge. While significant research has been conducted examining macro-level strategies (e.g., promoting MIS activities), very few studies have examined micro- level strategies (e.g., promoting Structured Query Language). The purpose of this study is to empirically examine both curriculum-oriented and promotional interventions by introducing SQL into foundation information systems curricula. Based on the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), 180 students completed a survey to measure attitude, behavior norms, and plans to enroll in a database class in the future. Additionally, both the hands-on SQL instruction and the promotional SQL intervention played a moderating role on the impact attitude had on plans to take a database course. These results add to our pedagogical understanding of enrollment decisions as well as provide practical solutions educators may use to keep pace with enrollment demands.

Examining the Impact of Training in the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology

ABSTRACT This research identifies, examines, and presents an empirical evaluation of the existing technology acceptance constructs as they relate to end-user participation in training programs. The analysis of technology acceptance constructs and their fit with the existing training paradigms suggests a significant positive correlation between training reactions and behavioral intention to use information technology. In addition, an extended modeling framework that includes a training reaction construct as an intermediary factor between the training paradigms and the existing technology acceptance constructs, as reflected in the UTAUT model, is introduced and evaluated. We find that the relationship between training reactions and behavioral intentions to use were partially mediated by facilitating conditions.

Examining System Administrators’ Verification Information to Enhance IT Training Design

ABSTRACT System administrators are faced with a broad range of responsibilities for highly complex environments. They need the ability to verify the work they have done. That verification comes from accurate and available information that we refer to as information credibility. This exploratory research aims to address the relationship between task complexity, task risk, and verification information seeking in graphical user interface (GUI) tools used by system administrators. This research also illustrates the use of verification information as a starting point for a content-centered training design. Potential antecedents of verification information are identified and a model is proposed that addresses how aspects of the task and environment affect the need for verification. Findings suggest that task complexity is a significant indicator of the need for verification information. In addition, findings also suggest that this verification information provides a logical foundation for improving knowledge acquisition of the system administration team.

Clarifications on the Design of Customer Comment Cards: Question Type, Question Wording, and Writing Space

Comment cards are a common way to obtain timely customer feedback. Prior research has shown, however, that comment cards are often poorly designed. As such, researchers have identified areas where improvements can be made. Despite these efforts, there are at least three issues where additional clarification is warranted; namely, the appropriate types of questions to ask, question wording related to the use of double-barreled questions, and the appropriate amount of writing space for comments. This research note helps clarify these issues by proposing: (a) that the most appropriate questions are those that help quantify the qualitative comments, (b) that not all double-barreled questions are as problematic as some suggest, and (c) that the minimally acceptable amount of space for writing comments is more than previously thought. The proposed clarifications are illustrated using a sample of restaurant comment cards.

Mobile e-Medicine: Reengineering, Telemedicine and the Art of War

Abstract This paper discusses the rationale used by the Department of Defense (DoD) to adapt the principles of e-commerce to telemedicine, to meet increasing global crises, and to find ways to more effectively manage manpower and time, for the U.S. military. A mobile telemedicine package has been developed by the DoD to collect and transmit near-real-time, far-forward medical data and to assess how this web-based capability enhances medical management of the battlespace. Telemedicine has been successful in resolving uncertain organizational and technological military deficiencies and in improving medical communications and information management. Deployable, mobile teams are the centerpieces of this telemedicine package. These teams have the capability of inserting essential networking and communications capabilities into austere theaters and establishing an immediate means for enhancing health protection, collaborative planning, situational awareness, and strategic decision-making through web-based internet applications. Our research methodology employs a qualitative case study approach with an action research perspective.