Graphics-based instruction for interactive-graphics-system training

The Bell System Telephone Office Planning and Engineering System (TOPES) is a time-shared interactive graphics system for planning building space. TOPES Programmed Instructions is a function-oriented book of special design. Step-by-step instructions are accompanied by exact reproductions of the graphic display on the screen. Each page contains a few terse statements that direct action at the keyboard, cursor, and display screen, and a short description of how TOPES responds. On the lower half of each page is a photographic reproduction of the graphics that should appear on the screen. By following the instructions the user becomes familiar with most TOPES conventions and commands, and creates charts, drawings, and plans that can serve as examples for future work. Although it is typical to provide personalized instruction for operators of complex computer graphics systems, this has been found unnecessary for TOPES.