[news.announce.conferences] Workshop on Strategies for Knowledge Acquisition

wntrmute@cmx.npac.syr.edu (Jim Brule) (10/04/89)

         Strategies for Knowledge Acquisition
                  1990 Winter Workshop
                 January 22 - 25, 1990
             Minnowbrook Conference Center
                 Blue Mountain Lake, NY


                     Sponsored by:

                Coherent Research, Inc.

                          and

           New York State Center for Advanced
         Technology in Computer Applications and
       Software Engineering at Syracuse University

                     Syracuse, NY


"Strategies for Knowledge Acquisition" is a workshop
designed to give the knowledge engineer a pragmatic
understanding of the problems of knowledge engineering,
along with the tools and techniques for their solution.

This hands-on workshop presents a theoretic framework
based on the cybernetics of human interaction within
which the knowledge acquisition relationship can be
understood and predicted. It then proceeds to deliver
practical methods for meeting the everyday concerns of
knowledge engineers:

* establishing a productive environment for knowledge
    acquisition
* enhancing the opportunities for uncovering knowledge
    of which the domain expert is not fully aware
* generating the richest set of information possible
* dealing with contradictory information
* translating the acquired knowledge into a useful form
* creating the best organizational chances for the
    project to succeed

In order to provide the greatest potential benefit, the
workshop incorporates individual practice of the tools,
techniques, and concepts presented. Upon completion, the
student will have gained an understanding of both the
principles underlying knowledge acquisition and the
practical tools and techniques required to apply these
principles to the building of expert systems in
operational applications.

Attendees should be individuals who have built, or are
preparing to build, expert systems involving knowledge
to be acquired from human experts. Other individuals who
are already familiar with the issues of expert systems
from an academic standpoint are encouraged to attend.

This workshop has been presented throughout the United
States and England. The instructors are experienced in
the problems of knowledge acquisition from a diverse set
of perspectives. Mr. Brule' has led the development of
successful expert systems many fields (including
medical, financial, and nursing care) using the
techniques which led to this workshop. Dr. Blount has
been applying the cybernetics of human systems to
organizations, groups, families, and individuals for
nearly a decade. Their text, "Knowledge Acquisition"
(McGraw-Hill, 1989), will be distributed as part of the
workshop.

                     Workshop Schedule:
                     =================

Monday Afternoon:
----------------
  Introduction
    The case for a Cybernetic/Psychological study of the
      human expert

  The Theory of Cybernetics
    Cybernetics and Human Systems
    Levels of Learning
    Coding / Representation of Abstract Learning

Tuesday:
-------
  The Dynamics of the Knowledge Acquisition Relationship
    Fundamentals
    Establishing a Productive Context
    Pitfalls in Interviewing Experts
    Practical Techniques
    Practice
    Assessment

  Metaphor
    Relevance of Metaphor to Knowledge Acquisition
    Metaphor in non-Poetic Discourse
    Metaphor in Building the Knowledge Acquisition
        Relationship
    Metaphor in Hypothesis Generation
    Practical Techniques
    Practice
    Assessment

Wednesday:
---------
  Organization of the Knowledge Acquisition Session
    Planning
    Orientation
    Development of Structure
    Elicitation of Specifics
    Practice
    Assessment

  Special Concerns
    The Value of Conflicting Information
    The Use of Multiple Experts
    Validation and Verification
    Tools & Techniques
    Practice
    Assessment

  Integration
    The Knowledge Template
    The Knowledge Acquisition Team
    The Organizational Context of Knowledge Acquisition
    Tools & Techniques
    Practice
    Assessment

Thursday Morning:
----------------
  Summary
    Practical Applications
    Future Directions

                    =================

                Accomodations and Travel

The Minnowbrook Conference Center is one of the elegant
Adirondack "Camps" located on Blue Mountain Lake in the
high-peaks region of the Adirondack Mountains. Recently
renovated, the main lodge offers year-round services in
a relaxed setting with modern amenities. Winter sports
opportunities abound nearby, including downhill and
cross-country skiing,and exhilirating hikes through the
mountainous region. Minnowbrook itself has a recreation
center, which is made exclusively available to workshop
attendees. Ample opportunities for relaxing and
establishing cameraderie are provided in the schedule.

All meals, lodging, and workshop materials are included
in the fee. Minnowbrook is best reached through Syracuse
Airport, from where ground transportation to Blue
Mountain Lake can be easily arranged.


                    =================

                    Registration Form

Name:

Title:

Organization:

Address:



City/State/Zip:

Phone:

EMail:

Fees:
Until       After
11/1/89     11/1/89

$650         $750

(Includes meals, lodging, and all workshop materials).

Please make check payable to:
Coherent Research, inc.

Return payment and form to:

Strategies for Knowledge Acquisition
Coherent Research, Inc.
100 East Washington Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 426-0929
jfbrule@rodan.acs.syr.edu
-- 
Someday has arrived