Hypermedia technology needs a creative approach from theoutset in the design of software to facilitate human
thinking and learning. This book opens a discussion of the
potential of hypermedia and related approaches to provide
open exploratory learning environments. The papers in the
book are based on contributions to a NATO Advanced Research
Workshop held in July1990 and are grouped into six
sections:
- Semantic networking as cognitive tools,
- Expert systems as cognitive tools,
- Hypertext as cognitive tools,
- Collaborative communication tools,
- Microworlds: context-dependent cognitive tools,
- Implementing cognitive tools.
The book will be valuable for those who design, implement
and evaluate learning programs and who seek to escape from
rigid tactics like programmed instruction and behavioristic
approaches. The book presents principles for exploratory
systems that go beyond existing metaphors of instruction and
provokes the reader to think in a new way about the
cognitive level of human-computer interaction.

1. What are Cognitive Tools?.- 2. Cognitive Tools: A Suitable Case for Learning.- I Semantic Networking as Cognitive Tools.- 3. Constructing Knowledge with Learning Tool.- 4. TextVision and the Visualisation of Knowledge: School-based Evaluation of its Acceptance at two Levels of Schooling.- 5. SemNet: A Tool for Personal Knowledge Construction.- 6. Cognitive Tools: The Experience of CASP, NoteCards, SemNet.- 7. Flexibility of Expressiveness: A Critical Factor in the Design of Concept Mapping Tools for Learning.- II Expert Systems as Cognitive Tools.- 8. Building Knowledge Bases: An Environment for Making Cognitive Connections.- 9. Levels of Processing in Building Expert Systems.- 10. Computers and Exploratory Learning in the Real World.- III Hypertext as Cognitive Tools.- 11. Tailoring Hypertext for the Learner.- 12. Heuristics for Cognitive Tools.- 13. Gloves for the Mind.- IV Collaborative Communication Tools.- 14. Using Timbuktu(TM) and Guide(TM) for Computer Supported Group Learning.- 15. Gossip as a Collaborative Communication Tool.- V Microworlds: Content Dependent Cognitive Tools.- 16. Learning Elementary Mathematics: A Discussion of Microworlds.- 17. How to Put Language in a Child's Mind: The Development of "Scriptor" as a Computer Tool for Writing.- 18. Structure of Learning Environments and Individual Differences as Predictors of Learning.- 19. Learning Environments for Cognitive Apprenticeship: From Experience to Expertise.- VI Implementing Cognitive Tools.- 20. Consequences of Moving from a Traditional Cybernetic Approach to a Open Exploratory Learning Environment.- Addresses and Biographies of Lecturers.