Novice Online Research Articles

CMC Modes for Learning Tasks at a Distance

Which communication mode(s) do experienced distance learners choose as they collaborate on tasks, and what do they talk about in each mode? How do the participants choose modes for various aspects of a task, and which phases of knowledge construction are present? In this study, case study and computer-mediated discourse analysis procedures are used to investigate transcripts and individual reflections of 10 small groups of distance learners. The findings reveal that the discussion forum was used significantly more often for conceptual moves and for later phases of the knowledge construction process. Email was used more for social moves, and chat was use dm ore for later phases of knowledge construction. Implications for providing grou ps with various CMC modes to complete tasks and for advising novice online learners about the affordances of each mode are addressed.

Time Distortion for Expert and Novice Online Game Players

Online game addiction is a new mental disorder. This disorder is difficult to describe because of its comprehensive nature. Many online game players have problems controlling their playing time. They cannot stop playing a game that they enjoy. This research surveyed the past literature on "flow" and time disorder theory. A time distortion experiment was conducted. This research invited 64 children, teenagers, and young adults to investigate player skill and playing time effects on online game break-off. The playing experience and degree of time distortion were measured and analyzed. The results showed that both novice and expert online game players were subject to time distortion. The participants had difficulty breaking off from the game without intrusion by others in the real world. This research also suggests eight questions for self-evaluation for online game addiction.

Online Library Catalogs: Age-Related Differences in Query Construction and Error Recovery

Online library catalogs have become pervasive in today's library. Unfortunately, these systems have been developed by computer programmers or librarians with little analysis of user behavior on the system. The present study compared the search performance of younger and older adults with general computer experience who were novice online catalog users on a set of ten search tasks of varying difficulty. This study examined types of errors made by novice users in database query construction and subsequent error recovery. Younger adults achieved a higher overall success rate than did older adults and were more efficient in performing these searches. Older adults made more query construction errors and recovered from them less efficiently than did younger adults. These data have important implications for identifying the specific needs, limitations, and capabilities of online library catalog users and the design of online library catalog systems for adults of differing ages.

The selection of online databases for UK company information

Describes the development of an expert system, designed to assist novice and end user online searchers to identify which databases to use for partic ular types of company information. The Company Information Database Adviser (CIDA) assists the selection of online databases for a range of types of UK company information: basic company details; company financial information; company ownership and shareholdings; company news; merg ers and acquisitions details; market information; and detailed company profiles. Although CIDA is designed to locate information about UK com panies, the databases it recommends are both national and international. Presents the database selection criteria identified during the project for 5 of the original CIDA company information categories. Outlines the specific functions for which CIDA was designed: end uses of company information; checking company details; company screening; financial assessment; com petitive intelligence; company accounts and financial datasheets; owner ship and shareholdings; company news; mergers and acquisitions. Whilst not providing an exhaustive survey of the company information scene, the CIDA project has highlighted some of the significant factors influencing choice of databases for certain types of company information.

Book Reviews : Online Information Hunting Nahum GoldmannPublisher: Tab Books Inc., Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17214; 717-794- 2191; 800-233-1128 Year of Publication: 1992 Length: 236 pages Price: $19.95

Book Reviews : Online Information Hunting Nahum GoldmannPublisher: Tab Books Inc., Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17214; 717-794- 2191; 800-233-1128 Year of Publication: 1992 Length: 236 pages Price: $19.95

Nine sources of problems for novice online searchers

With any new skill, the time comes when one must put together the various steps that have been practiced and actually ‘play the game’. For many students of library and information science, online searching is a new search for a ‘real world’ client. This paper describes some problems these novice searchers have in putting it all together.