Computational Models of Mixed-Initiative Interaction-Springer Netherlands (1999)
Preface
SUSAN HALLERl and SUSAN McROy2
1  Computer Science and Engineering Department,  University of Wisonsin-Parkside,  Kenosha,  WI,
USA.  e-mail: haller@cs.uwp.edu
2  Department of  Electrical Engineering and Computer Science,  University of Wisonsin-Milwaukee,
Milwaukee, WI,  USA.  e-mail: mcroy@cs.uwm.edu
In  a problem-solving  situation,  the  information  and  abilities  needed  for  the  task
at  hand  are  often distributed  among  the  collaborators.  As  a  result,  direction  and
control  of the  interaction  shifts  among  the  participants.  If  future  computational
systems are to collaborate effectively with users  to solve problems, they must have
the  ability  to  take  and  relinquish  control  of the  problem-solving  process  and  the
communication about it. The theory and the mechanisms that underly  these behav-
iors are the topics of  this  special issue of User Modeling User Adapted Interaction
on computational models for mixed initiative interaction.