Supporting collaborative learning during information searching

Interacting with computers, 1998

2010

ABSTRACT Improving search interfaces and algorithms are major foci of HCI and information retrieval (IR) research respectively. However, less attention has been given to understanding how users collect, manage, organize, and share the results they find from conducting searches on the Web and designing tools to support their needs.

Proceedings of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, 2008

Collaboration plays an important role in the information seeking and retrieval activities within a team setting. In this research, we examined the impact of collaborative design features in two information retrieval tools that explicitly support collaboration. We designed the two collaborative information searching prototype, MUSE (Multi-User Search Engine) and MUST (Multi-User Search and Talk) and evaluated both systems. Results indicate that the communication (i.e., chat) function played an important role in enhancing the information seeking process by establishing common ground among group members. We also identified unexpected challenges that arose as the prototypes were used during these activities. These challenges were both technical and social in nature. We discuss implications for system design and directions for future research.

1996

The term browsing is frequently applied to information searching activities although it is has been defined in many different ways 4 . In this paper we highlight the social and collaborative aspects of browsing and discuss how they may be assisted by explicit computerised support. Specifically, we describe the Ariadne system -an interface which visualises the search process as a manipulable digital object. Visualisation of the process offers a range of activities that can support more effective searching activities by individuals and through collaboration with others.

2008

Regarding the change of information seeking to a collaborative activity, DLs as dynamic information systems, have to adopt collaboration searching tools. This study investigates the degree of collaboration in information retrieval and the extent of collaboration tools usage in DLs. The collaborative tools of a prototype digital library are assessed through a qualitative study by the aspects of usefulness, usability and usage. Results show that information search transforms to a collective form, while they prove that usefulness and usability have a significant effect on usage and on user satisfaction. The results also show that collaboration tools evolve into indispensable design parameters for modern digital libraries. 112

Aslib Proceedings, 1996

Information Retrieval Journal, 2017

The paper describes our novel perspective on 'searching to learn' through collaborative information seeking (CIS). We describe this perspective, which motivated empirical work to 'orchestrate' a CIS searching to learn session. The work is described through the lens of orchestration, an approach which brings to the fore the ways in which: background context-including practical classroom constraints, and theoretical perspective; actors-including the educators, researchers, and technologies; and activities that are to be completed, are brought into alignment. The orchestration is exemplified through the description of research work designed to explore a pedagogically salient construct (epistemic cognition), in a particular institutional setting. Evaluation of the session indicated satisfaction with the orchestration from students, with written feedback indicating reflection from them on features of the orchestration. We foreground this approach to demonstrate the potential of orchestration as a design approach for researching and implementing CIS as a 'searching to learn' context.

the 6th international …, 2007

This paper presents the Mobile and Ubiquitous Learning project (MoULe). This project aims to support students using context sensitive handheld devices in collaborative knowledge construction. To achieve this aim, a learning platform called the MoULe environment has been designed, which permits users to edit and share documents and conceptual maps using desktop computers and smartphones equipped with GPS. Teachers can use this environment to organize situated learning activities which connect digital resources to geographical locations. The MoULe project intends to facilitate the creation of learning communities who collaborate in the construction of an augmented reality where digital objects are related to physical places. The digital objects created by the students are wiki pages and conceptual maps and all the information in these documents are location based. The initial testing phase of the project involved teachers and students from four high schools in Palermo (Italy). In the paper the MoULe project and the MoULe environment are presented with some preliminary considerations about the didactic activities carried out.

Departamento de Inform��tica, Universidad de Lancaster, 1995

This paper outlines issues in the learning of information searching skills. We report on our observations of the learning of browsing skills and the subsequent iterative development and testing of the Ariadne system-intended to investigate and support the collaborative learning of search skills. A key part of this support is a mechanism for recording an interaction history and providing students with a visualisation of that history that they can reflect and comment upon.

Libraries In the Digital Age, 2008

Abstract: Regarding the change of information seeking to a collaborative activity, DLs as dynamic information systems, have to adopt collaboration searching tools. This study investigates the degree of collaboration in information retrieval and the extent of collaboration tools usage in DLs. The collaborative tools of a prototype digital library are assessed through a qualitative study by the aspects of usefulness, usability and usage. Results show that information search transforms to a collective form, while they prove that ...