Glossary » Application Domains

algorithm animation

algorithms are the formal procedures for performing some computational task, such as the procedure to sort a set of numbers. An algorithm animation is a graphical display of process over time (auditory cues are also quite common). Algorithm animations are…

anchor point

(graphics) the point on an object that remains stationary while an object is resized or rotated, for instance, while resizing a window or rotating an image within a drawing program.

Similarly, the point at which a selection begins. For instance,…

attract-mode opening

when a software application is started, it will often immediately enter a sequence which demos or explains or at least shows a lot of pizzazz of the product, especially in games and multimedia titles. This demo mode or “attract-mode” is…

CAI

computer-aided instruction; the use of computers in training and education. Traditional techniques of computer-aided instruction included drill-and-practice programs and approaches inspired by artificial intelligence research which used models of learning to model errors learners were making to customize lessons to…

change bars

lines along the edge of text that indicate where changes have been made since the previous version of the text. These are useful when multiple people have been editing a document together and need to track each other’s work. Change…

chat

software that enables multiple people in realtime to write messages in a public space, usually in typewritten text. As each person submits a message, it appears at the bottom of a scrolling screen.

Chat groups are usually formed by having…

clinical trial

testing a system in a clinical setting; that is, in a hospital, clinic, doctor’s office, etc. User testing and feature testing in such an environment has special limitations, especially because of the potential for unexpected effects on patient care. User…

clinical workstation

a computer in a clinical setting. Clinical workstations will usually need to provide some of the following capabilities:

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co-discovery method

also “constructive interaction”; a user-testing technique where users work collaboratively to solve problems on a computer. The advantage over single-person testing is that the users talk about what they are doing naturally (as opposed to using a think-aloud protocol) and…

collaborative drawing

2 or more people conversing with the use of drawings or working together to create a drawn artifact. Conversing and creating an artifact are very different types of tasks, though there exists a continuum between them, such that it’s difficult…

collaborative writing

multiple people composing text together. Collaborative writing systems may provide both realtime support and non-realtime support. Word processors may provide asynchronous support by showing authorship and allowing users to track changes and make annotations to documents. Authors collaborating on a…

collaboratory

a distributed research group coordinating their activities through electronic communication, remote instrumentation, and shared data analysis tools.

course map

a flowchart that depicts learning paths for specific groups of learners who will be taking an online course. Used to determine course segmenting, navigation structures, and placement of shared content and resources on the interface design.

CPR

computer-based patient record, a computer system for clinical use to record and retrieve patient information and patient care, and to provide a wide variety of other tools to both clinical and non-clinical staff, possibly in almost any clinical setting, from…

CSCL

computer-supported collaborative learning, the use of groupware tools in collaborative learning situations.

Tools might include email, videoconferencing, or any other tool that people might use to work together or for collaborative problem-solving, such as collaborative writing systems and scientific collaboration…

CSME

computer-supported meeting environments.

CSMR

computer-supported meeting rooms.

cut scene

a brief presentation, usually a video, used between 2 interactive segments of a multimedia title, such as between 2 levels in a game.

cyberchondria

the overuse & misuse of online health information; the tendency for some people to over-rely on online health resources and to pester their physician with concerns generated by the experience.

decision support systems

software designed to facilitate decision-making, particularly group decision-making. Decision support systems may provide tools for such things as brainstorming, critiquing ideas, putting weights and probabilities on events and alternatives, and voting. Such systems enable presumably more rational and evenhanded decisions.…

delimited search

a search that requires a user to type an entire search string followed by a “delimiter character” (such as Return) to initiate a search, in contrast to an incremental search.

distance learning

learning in an environment where the instructor and the student are at different locations. Distance learning may take place through the mail, email, the web, and broadcast or two-way video. Distance learning offers the opportunity to reduce educational costs and…

document management systems

systems for entering, tracking, routing, and processing documents, whether documents that were originally created electronically (email and online forms) or documents that are scanned (“imaged documents”). Document management systems form a subset of workflow systems, though they may also have…

documentation

manuals, help systems, and other materials used to introduce and explain a system to users. Manuals and readme files typically contain installation information. Manuals and help systems typically contain both reference information and how-to information (tutorials or “task-based” help information…

EBS

electronic brainstorming; the use of computers to support idea generation, especially in a collaborative setting. Computer support can be helpful by simplifying the collection and organization of ideas, by providing anonymity and thus supporting more fluid generation of ideas, and…