This research addresses the potential relationship between the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and learning through Computer Based Training (CBT). Two factors are present in any instructional environment: individuals have unique personalities and they learn differently. To optimize learning efficiency, we must recognize and deal with the different responses students have to instructional methods, curriculum content, and learning environments. This is especially true with Computer Based Training where the rapid integration of computers into the work place and the education environment affects the teaching situation. Students have varying responses to Computer Based Training which affect their aptitude and expectations about learning. This study addresses personality preferences and their influence on perceptions of student aptitude and expectations about learning in a computer training environment. The dissertation uses the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) as a measure of personality preferences. These personality preferences influence their expectations and aptitude toward learning. The relationship between preferences and how people learn in the computer training environment is the primary research focus. If a relationship exists, then dealing effectively with these preferences could be useful to subsequent designers of instruction.

In order to assist learners with object-oriented programming and design principles, many types of visual modeling tools have been developed to demonstrate otherwise abstract concepts. Although businesses and educational institutions alike have embraced the most mature of these tools, the Unified Modeling Language (UML) notation, it has not been demonstrated that such graphical aids can equally facilitate learning and achievement by all individuals regardless of their prior experience with procedural programming languages. Other visual modeling aids that similarly integrate textual explanations with graphical models have been demonstrated in other studies to increase the cognitive load of learners and to negatively impact the effectiveness of the instruction when used with learners who possess high prior experience in a related area. The goal of this research was to determine the appropriateness of the use of UML modeling tools with students who possess high prior experience in a conceptually different area of programming and design. Specifically, this research examined the effects that teaching object-oriented programming and design with visual UML object modeling tools had on the cognitive load and achievement of experienced procedural programmer’s enrolled in a C++ programming class. Data for this study were collected from four sections of the Introduction to C++ classes at Tulsa Community College. Data were collected on the participants during the experimental semester by using a student programming self-efficacy survey and a series of four object-oriented programming and design achievement tests. On each test, students were asked to subjectively evaluate their cognitive load for the material covered by each question. The data were analyzed for any significant interactions among the student's prior experience with procedural languages, their exposure to UML, their cognitive load, and achievement. It was expected that the results would show a significant negative relationship between the student's prior experience and their level of achievement when exposed to UML content in the classroom. However, due to multiple violations of tile assumptions of the statistical tests outlined in this study, the results of this study could only be descriptively analyzed. The descriptive analysis revealed only small differences in the levels of achievement and cognitive load among the study's population.

The John Holland genetic algorithm lacks some of the genomic regulatory mechanisms necessary to overcome novel environmental dynamics by fast adaptive change. This simple genetic algorithm uses a haploid chromosome-based cell that reproduces only once during its single generation life span by using a modified asexual reproductive technique. This original cellular structure does not support the expression of recessive genomic characteristics that are essential for adaptive change. Its single life span and reproductive cycle do not allow for the possibility of highly fit parents to continuously contribute to the successful evolution of the population. Asexual reproductive techniques fail to pass the test of natural selection. This research developed a new genetic algorithm that is based on an object-oriented representation of those structural and behavioral characteristics found in highly adaptive organisms. By using a diploid chromosome based cell that sexually reproduce across many generations; the research has produced a more adaptive optimization algorithm than originally produced by Holland when performance tested using De Jong's Test Functions.

This exploratory study was designed to describe the Internet search behaviors of deaf adolescents using Internet search engines to complete fact-based search tasks. Because of the limited English reading skills of deaf students, and the complexity of Internet search results, effective Internet searching can be a challenging task. The study examined such Internet search behaviors of high school deaf students as query formation, query modification, Web site identification, and Web site selection. Supervisors from four regional day school programs for the deaf from throughout Texas allowed students to participate in the study. The study, consisting of two fact based search tasks, occurred in the individual computer networks of each of the regional day school programs for the deaf. As students conducted two search tasks they completed a task analysis of the Web sites selected, and the reasons for their selections. Once all of the searches were completed, the researcher determined if there were any commonalities in the search behaviors of the research participants. The research also identified the processes used by deaf students to compensate for limited English reading abilities while navigating Internet search engines results that were typically written well above the average reading level of deaf students. Once students completed the search tasks, each of the task analyses were evaluated to ascertain if there were any commonalities among student behaviors while online completing the search tasks. The results demonstrated deaf high school students were unable to initiate, conduct, analyze, or validate effective Internet searches in response to fact-based search tasks.

Many companies now actively use the Web as a key marketing and sales vehicle for their goods or services. To be successful, e-commerce Web sites must be useful, easy to use, easy to navigate, and easy to understand - measures of the Technology Acceptance Model's (TAM) variables Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use . Although many studies have used the model to better understand e-commerce, the problem is that they have ignored one very important external variable - the effects that an aging population may have on the usability the Internet and of e-commerce Web sites. As people age, they begin to experience problems with their vision, their hearing, cognitive functions, and their mobility. The researcher modified the TAM to reflect the impact that aging may have on two variables, Web Site Usability and Internet Usability. A field study on four e-commerceWeb sites was conducted by 21 participants from two southeast Florida senior organizations. The participants, all people 65 years of age or older, included 11 students and staff members from a SeniorNet computer training class at the Daniel Cantor Senior Center and 10 members from the Lifelong Learning Institute, a department in the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences at Nova Southeastern University. The quantitative data collected during the field study were analyzed, tested for reliability, and validated using the partial least squares structural equation modeling approach. Qualitative data about seniors' use of the four Web sites were also collected and used to identify Web site designs that impede successful use of e-commerce Web sites. It was found that the research model accurately reflects the effects of the aging process and that the perceived usefulness of e-commerce Web sites positively and significantly influenced a senior's attitude toward using and intention to use the Web sites. It was also found that a Web site's usability positively and significantly influenced the perceived ease of use of e-commerce Web sites. Out of nine hypotheses, six were rejected and three were not rejected. The model and the results from the study can be used as a baseline for future studies.

This study sought to determine whether the computer skills expected of high school graduates by postsecondary institutions and employers are being provided by high schools in South Carolina. All colleges, universities, and technical schools in the state were surveyed. One hundred industries in the state were also selected. Of the fifty - four postsecondary institutions surveyed, forty responded, while sixty- one of the selected industries replied to the survey. Two major areas were explored in this survey. In the first area, participants were asked to assess the computer skill level of entering freshmen and recent job applicants. The second area polled participants to determine the desirability of making a computer course that emphasizes word processing, data base and spreadsheet usage a high school graduation requirement. Hypothesis testing was used to analyze the data. A normal distribution was selected as the sample size since each sample was greater than thirty. A left-tailed test was appropriate to determine whether each of the hypotheses would be accepted at a level of significance of .05. A significant number of postsecondary institutions in South Carolina report that high school students do not receive adequate computer training from their schools before graduation. While 40% of the institutions answered that the students were inadequately trained, 45% of the respondents were undecided. A significant number of postsecondary institutions in South Carolina agree that a computer course with word processing, spreadsheet, and data base usage should be required for a high school diploma. Of the postsecondary institutions responding, 67. 5% endorsed a mandatory course. A significant number of South Carolina industries do not report that recent job applicants have received inadequate computer training from their high schools. Undecided was the largest response to this question measuring49.2%, while 40.2% report that students have not received adequate training. A significant number of industries in South Carolina believe that a course emphasizing word processing, spreadsheets, and data bases should be required for graduation. Of the industries responding to the survey, 80.3% endorsed a mandatory course. A model curriculum to address the needs articulated by the survey respondents is included in this study.

The problem that was investigated in this dissertation was the utility of the classroom-based in-service training program for the continuous training of library paraprofessional employees of the Miami-Dade Public Library System in Dade County, Florida. The lack of a continuous, well-organized in-service training program was revealed in the investigation. The rationale for the investigation was that a continuous distance education instructional delivery system would provide not only more consistency and organization to the annual, classroom-based training program, but also would provide additional opportunities for the in-service training of the library paraprofessional employees. The result of the investigation was the development of electronic bulletin board software into a distance education instructional delivery system. The system was designed to provide a continuous distance education in-service training course to the library paraprofessional employees of the Miami-Dade Public Library System. There were four phases in the dissertation plan. The first phase of the dissertation resulted in a literature review about the importance of ongoing training and instruction for the library paraprofessional employee. The second phase resulted in the expansion, updating, and adaptation of the existing paraprofessional curriculum of the Miami-Dade Public Library System into computer-assisted instructional modules for use in the planned computerized instructional delivery system. Although designed for use in a distance learning environment, these modules may also be used in a free-standing microcomputer environment. The third phase resulted in a distance education system using microcomputer electronic bulletin board software that allowed the operation of the CAI software program outside the normal bulletin board operations of electronic mail and remote databases. Modified "mastery learning" procedures of Keller's "Personalized System of Instruction" are operational in the final dissertation product. Course presentation, assignment completion, electronic mail or conferencing including student/teacher interaction or peer-tutoring, self-testing procedures and computer file delivery are possible through the developed distance education system. The fourth phase was the evaluation of the completed instructional delivery system and computer-aided instructional modules by a panel of experts (professional librarians). The evaluation results served as a confirmation of the dissertation product development's goals. The four phases provided opportunities in the combined areas of adult education, computer technology and information science.

In this case study, computer-based safety training was explored in a food manufacturing environment to determine its feasibility as an effective method for training new employees, and retraining of employees annually. Gilardi Foods, Inc., a food manufacturer in Sidney, Ohio, was training employees using stand up, instructor led training techniques. The problem with this method was that it was impossible for the safety manager to complete training of all new employees because of high turnover in the manufacturing environment. Coupled with the fact that there are three manufacturing facilities spread over a wide area, it was impossible for one person to complete the training of new employees, let alone retrain current workers. Consequently, supervisors were required to complete training of employees. This created a problem for the supervisors who were supposed to oversee the activities of employees on the line and found it difficult to take the time to complete safety training. Record keeping was another problem with this method of training. The safety department did not have the records necessary to document that training had been completed as required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. An effective training program would provide the company with the records the company needed to satisfy government requirements. By using computer-based training (CBT), the management of Gilardi Foods hoped to show that they would be able to conduct safety-related training for all new employees before they were placed in hazardous situations. The company also wanted to complete annual refresher training of current employees. Another positive result that was hoped for by company management was accurate and timely records of a training provided, including scores from tests that showed that employees completing the training understood the material presented. Finally, management wanted to limit whenever possible the time that it took to complete the training in each module to one hour or less. Since this was a case study, the research was conducted at the company site under the same conditions that employees would face on a day-to-day basis. The CBT was monitored by a company employee and the equipment, software, and other resources were provided by the company. Employee/trainees were requested to complete a pre-test, the computer-based training, post-test, and attitude survey during one session. The pre- and post-tests and the survey were used to test the hypothesis that CBT would effectively provide transfer of knowledge concerning safety and that trainees would show significant levels of satisfaction with the training provided. The time required to complete the materials was monitored to determine whether the computer-based safety training being presented could be completed within the one-hour time frame. The results indicated a significant level of transfer of knowledge about safety issues through the use of CBT and a high level of user satisfaction with CBT. The management and staff of Gilardi Foods also indicated considerable satisfaction with the use of CBT to accomplish the goals for safety training in their environment.

This project was designed to explore the definition, design, and development of an intranet-based, electronic performance support system (EPSS) to provide knowledge workers with access to knowledge management resident on the World Wide Web (WWW). Knowledge management is a new field emerging at the confluence of organizational theory, management strategy, and management information systems. This field is emerging in a highly competitive, global environment where knowledge is perishable. It is also an environment where information is abundant via the WWW. Organizations have made significant investments in information technology and information technology-based solutions to remain competitive in this environment. Today's knowledge worker or participant in the knowledge management environment lacks the time, skills and knowledge to explore and exploit the online resources available through the WWW. The use of an intranet as EPSS is a relatively new concept. This project reviewed the concepts of knowledge, knowledge management, knowledge workers, intellectual assets and capital, and learning organizations, as well as the use of EPSS and intranets. An intranet-based, EPSS, code named eTools, was developed as a pilot for knowledge workers in the Options by IBM organization located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. An evaluation was completed to determine if the eTools project met the needs of the target population of knowledge workers. The evaluation found that the target population frequently used the WWW, with a majority of the population using accessing the Internet at least once a day. Usage of the intranet site was lower, in the range of less than once a week; however, the users responded that an intranet was the best method to communicate the project content. Based on the criteria set by the sponsoring management team and the evaluation results, the study found that the information and knowledge requirements of the Options by IBM knowledge workers were satisfactorily met utilizing through the eTools pilot.

Within the confines of the office, collaborative technologies such as desktop personal computers (PCs), groupware, and local area networks (LANs) are effective tools used by geographically dispersed team members engaged in Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) projects. Where team members are not geographically dispersed but are collocated, Electronic Meeting Systems (EMSs), comprised of desktop PCs, groupware and LANs, have been established in specially equipped facilities called Interactive Meeting Rooms (IMRs). Given the expense and very specialized function, MRs are not common facilities in American corporations. In addition! MRs are restrictive in that the team members are tethered to the MR. The problem investigated was to create a venue independent or portable EMS to determine the effectiveness of the portable EMS used by a team engaged in a colocated CSCW project. The portable EMS consisted of ThinkPad notebook PCs from IBM®, peer-to-peer groupware from SPAN works TM and a wireless LAN (WLAN) based on the IEEE 802.11 standard. The study participants were members of IBM Product Development Teams (PDTs). PDTs are the vehicle by which IBM products are developed and delivered to the market. PDTs are comprised of members from cross functional areas. Most of the PDT members are collocated with remote members joining the PDT meetings by teleconference. Two existing PDTs, selected at random, were the focus of this quasi-experimental study. The experimental PDT used the portable EMS Willie the control PDT did not. The means of the bi-Level independent variables, the experimental and control PDTs, as measured by the Measuring Meeting Success questionnaire, were compared using the independent Samples t Test to determine if there was a statistically significant difference between the two PDTs. The results revealed that the difference between the PDTs was not statistically significant. As a result of these findings, an evaluation of the portable EMS, specifically the user interface of the SPAN works groupware suite, was undertaken. The SPANworks usability evaluation revealed problems with the groupware's user interface, specifically setup time and user interface. Tills study culminated in a set of recommendations to improve the usability of the portable EMS in general and of the SPANworks groupware suite in particular.