Rob Kremer, kremer@cpsc.ucalgary.ca
The undersigned certify that they have read, and recommend to
the Faculty of Graduate Studies for acceptance, a thesis entitled
"A Concept Map Based Approach to the Shared Workspace"
submitted by Robert Kremer in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of Master of Science.
Supervisor, Brian Gaines
Department of Computer Science
Graham Birtwistle
Department of Computer Science
Larry Katz
Department of Physical Education
(Date)
This thesis considers concept mapping as a basis for sharing computer
workspaces among collaborating partners. The hypermedia paradigm
is used both for linkages between concept maps, and for multimedia
annotations. The work produced a C++ class library in support
of the relevant concept mapping and hypermedia techniques. The
library was both motivated by and used to develop a shared workspace
Computer Supported Collaborative Work (CSCW) application called
Accord. The software was targeted at a business audience and was
developed using iterative prototyping and field testing in a large
oil company. Informal observation of users working on their own
business problems indicates they have no difficulty adopting to
concept mapping paradigm.
This work benefits from the input and support of many people. Thanks to Brian Gaines for many hours of consultations and very motivating discussions as my supervisor throughout the work. Brian also motivated this work by convicing me of the value of interactive concept maps with his KRS system. Some of the algorithms and much of the interface "look-and-feel" used in the concept maps were borrowed from Brian's KRS system as well. Thanks also to Wally Reimer for supporting me and fighting for the support of this research program, not to mention the long hours of brainstorming, "selling" the software to the end users, and keeping my feet on the ground.
This work could not have been accomplished without the open and friendly atmosphere at the computer science department, which was always a source of inspiration and new ideas. I am particularly grateful to Saul Greenberg, whose advice has kept me on the right track, and Graham Birtwistle whose encouragement helped motivate me to get into the program in the first place. Thanks to the many others who have provided ideas, feedback, motivation and proofreading including Mark Roseman, Doug Schaffer, Sonja Branskat, Ted O'Grady, Earle Lowe, Shelli Dubs, Stephen Hayne, Debbie Leishman, Mildred Shaw, and Ken Kittlitz.
Thanks to my wife, Carolyn, and to my children, Cory, Chris, and Sandra, for putting up with my living in front of the computer for all this time. At least they've always known were to find me. Also thanks to my brother, Andy, and my dad, Mervin, for the proofreading.
This research was supported by Shell Canada Limited.
Page
Table 1. Interaction modes of CSCW systems 12
Table 2. Node sizing and scrollability 23
Table 3. Interaction modes of CSCW systems 53
Table 4. Accord and HyperC requirements 73
Table 5. Direct manipulation commands for concept maps 96
Figure 1. An example concept map 7
Figure 2. The relationship between principle concepts 11
Figure 3. A University of Arizona electronic meeting room 13
Figure 4. Colab layout 14
Figure 5. Capture Lab layout 14
Figure 6. Single vs. multiple node displays 21
Figure 7. An Object Lens-type structured node 25
Figure 8. Boxer's references 27
Figure 9. An IBIS-style discussion 31
Figure 10. An experimental implementation of a global map in Intermedia 41
Figure 11. An example Toolbook OpenScript script 44
Figure 12. Lambiotte's Taxonomy of Semantic Maps 47
Figure 13. An example link type hierarchy 61
Figure 14. Examples of the three different expansion types 69
Figure 15. A 'person' concept map 72
Figure 16. A 'person' form 72
Figure 17. A simplified view of the Accord application structure 80
Figure 18. The classes in the HyperC database class library 82
Figure 19. Reference translation 84
Figure 20. The graphics class library 86
Figure 21. An 'ideal' form of the graphics class hierarchy 87
Figure 22. The node window class library 88
Figure 23. The Accord MDI interface 91
Figure 24. Multiple and single inheritance GNode 100
Figure 25. A concept map developed by a three member group 103
Figure 26. The possible cases of link selection for copying 107