Writing with and for the computer

Abstract

Using tools such as MS-Word to create 'knowledge' (henceforth abbreviated to K) to be communicated via the paper medium is well understood (actually, one may even say well misunderstood.

But we all desire to have that same K presented on computer screens in addition, and even as hypertexts or hypermedia presentations. Much work is invested in producing the original text or master repository of K, and indeed in deriving or constructing the hypertext (typically HTML) from the textual form of the K.

From the viewpoint of use and re-use of our K we need to keep control of the layout, structure or meta content, and of course content.

A 7-step methodology has emerged from my years of building hypertexts - writing for the computer, as it were, and is proffered for your critical consideration.

About Heinz Dreher

Heinz Dreher has been working in the Information Technology Systems domain for 33 years. His first position was as computer programmer. This was followed with a move into the tertiary education sector in 1972 as senior tutor in Electronic Data Processing (EDP).

During the period February to June 2004 he is at the IICM, Graz University of Technology, on leave from the School of Information Systems at Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Western Australia.

Dr. Dreher has expertise in Hypertext/Hypermedia systems and textual-knowledge-based systems, Computer Supported Co-operative Work (CSCW), Computer Mediated Communications (CMC), Project Management, Prototyping systems, Human Problem Solving Strategies, Decision Support Technologies, Knowledge Management, WWW and Electronic Commerce applications development and technologies, and Information Systems Research Methods. The Hypertext Research Laboratory, whose aim is to facilitate the application of hypertext-based technology in academe, business and in the wider community, was founded by him in late 1989.

Since 1997 he has made numerous teaching visits to Curtin University partner campuses in Indonesia, Singapore, HongKong, and Malaysia and wherever possible has immersed himself in the local culture.