Building Bridges within Learning Communities through Ontologies and "Thematic Objects"
Communication through artefacts, in the sense of objects (co-)constructed by learners, is a well known mechanism in synchronous shared workspace environments. In this article, we explore the potential of extending this principle to heterogeneous, anonymous and asynchronous learner communities by drawing on existing work, e.g. in the areas of "social navigation" and recommender systems. A new ingredient is the description and provision of "thematic objects" embedded in a task/activity context. De
The Remote Control Approach – An Architecture for Tutoring in Pre-existing Collaborative Applicatio
In this paper we present an architecture for the integration of tutoring and process scaffolds into existing collaborative applications. The architecture allows to combine existing research results concerning collaborative processes and their formalization, and existing and tested collaborative learning environments. The architecture allows controlling the learning environments either by a human or a pedagogic agent. Both types of tutors are using the same set of primitives – either via an intu
The Remote Control Approach - How to Apply Scaffolds to Existing Collaborative Learning Environments
In this paper we present an architecture for the integration of tutoring and process scaffolds into existing collaborative applications. The architecture allows to combine existing research results concerning collaborative processes and their formalization, and existing and tested collaborative learning environments. The architecture allows to control the learning environments either by a human or a pedagogic agent. Both types of tutors are using the same set of primitives - either via an intuit
Gemeinsame Wissenskonstruktion in computervermittelter Kommunikation: Welche Kooperationsskripts fö
Goal of this study is the facilitation of participation and knowledge acquisition in cooperative, computer-mediated learning environments. Two cooperative scripts with respect to discourse contents and interaction were developed to pre-structure communication. Both scripts were analyzed with respect to their influence on participation and application-oriented knowledge in computer-mediated learning environments. The factors "content-related cooperative script" and "interaction-related cooperativ
The use of a computerized brain atlas to support knowledge-based training in radiology
Trainers of radiologists face the particular challenges of teaching normal and abnormal appearance for a variety of imaging modalities, providing access to a large appropriately-indexed case library, and teaching a consistent approach to the reporting of cases. The computer has the potential to address these issues, to supplement conventional teaching of radiology by providing case-based tutoring and diagnostic support based on a large library of images of normal and abnormal anatomy, fully desc
Internet Scout Project
A recent USGS open file report entitled Ranking of the World's Oil and Gas Provinces by Known Petroleum Volumes groups the worlds 937 geologic provinces into eight regions by known petroleum volumes of field. This site succintly describes the ranking methods used and results of the study. Perhaps not surprisingly, the Middle East and North Africa was found to contain nearly twice as many billions of barrels of oil than any other area. The researchers hope that the rankings will "facilitate studi
From MASK Knowledge Management Methodology to Learning Activities Described with IMS – LD
In this paper we present how the way knowledge capitalized using the Knowledge Management Mask methodology can be used to design E-learning activities by matching Mask models and the concepts proposed by the IMS-Learning Design modelling language. Our study consists in highlighting the e-learning aspects encapsulated in these MASK models carried out around a domain of activity, via a writing these elements in the description language IMS - Learning Design; in a preoccupation of reusability and r
Supporting Peer Help and Collaboration in Distributed Workplace Environments
Increasingly, organizations are geographically distributed with activities coordinated and integrated through the use of information technology. Such organizations face constant change and the corresponding need for continual learning and renewal of their workers. In this paper we describe a prototype system called PHelpS (Peer Help System) that facilitates workers in carrying out such "life long learning". PHelpS supports workers as they perform their tasks, offers assistance in finding peer he
Embedding email in primary schools: developing a tool for collective reflection
Reflection is an important aspect of learning in groups. In collective moments of reflection, learners can share and compare their ideas with others, and by doing so can reach an articulated and personal understanding of a learning task and domain. In the research presented here, e-mail is examined as a means for reflection in the context of group learning. In two design experiments, an e-mail tool is developed that seeks to (1) support collective reflection, and (2) overcome practical problems
Distance learning and foreign language teaching
Among numerous modes of technology enhanced learning there are not many that have received as much attention as distance learning. Stimulated by the recent rapid developments in Web technologies, researchers in both ICT and education are constantly working to make the most of technological resources and put them to the best pedagogical use. In the area of foreign language teaching a lot has been done to cover a variety of world languages, but there are constant attempts for new solutions, taking
Internet Scout Project
"Grid.org is a single destination site for large-scale research projects powered by the United Devices Global MetaProcessor." It harnesses the combined computing power of thousands of computers around the world to process large amounts of data that would otherwise be impossible or very costly to analyze. The Grid.org Web site is an excellent place to start if you want to participate in a distributed computing project, or if you are just interested in learning the basics of the technology. Curren
Development of an electronic course based on the i*teach methodology with the use of the ims learnin
The paper is a demonstration of the use of active methods of learning and IMS Learning design (IMS LD) specification for the development of portable and reusable electronic course. It demonstrates how Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) can enhance the process of teacher training, and how this can be used for Lifelong Competence Development of teachers. The paper shows how units of learning developed according to the IMS LD specification can integrate the contemporary active methods
Internet Scout Project
Founded in 1947, the Lepidopterists' Society "embraces a wide range of interests and viewpoints concerning the study and appreciation of moths and butterflies" and includes both academic experts and dedicated amateurs in the ranks of a membership that spans 60 countries. In addition to information about the Society and membership therein, the website includes several features of interest. From the Publications section, Visitors may download in pdf format free of charge recent issues of the Socie
Internet Scout Project
The Evergreen Native Plant Database was developed as an educational project providing school groups, home gardeners, and other residents of Canada with information about native Canadian wildflower, aquatic, grass, vine, shrub, and tree species. In addition to this abundance of native plant species information, the website offers an extensive collection of K-12 lesson plans for educators to use in outdoor settings. The concise lesson plans are available in HTML for viewing online or in pdf for do
Approaching Sex Through Archaeology
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Asian action I: Character details
Students will use drawing and writing to study characters in Asian art, focusing on the potential stories hinted at by the many details depicted in the art examples. This lesson draws on the richly detailed and expressive human and animal characters depicted in the arts of Asia. Is there a reason why Durga has so many arms? What about Ganesha and that elephant head?
Artifact Ethics (Archaeology)
In their study of archaeological issues students will use ethical dilemmas to examine their own values and beliefs about archaeological site protection and evaluate possible actions they might take regarding site and artifact protection.
Artifact Classification (Archaeology)
In their study of artifact classification students will use pictures of artifacts or objects from a teaching kit to classify artifacts and answer questions about the lifeways of a group of historic Native Americans.
Animal slide shows!
This project is a culmination of a science unit on animals which integrates computer skills, language arts and art. After a study of animals which includes classification, basic needs of animals, animal adaptations, and animal behaviors, the students will use the computer to complete a slide show of one animal they have studied at length.
A Road Map to Reading
Students struggle with informational texts and websites. Understanding the structure of these texts is essential to efficient information gathering. The "Road Map" is a pre-reading strategy. Like the road map in your atlas, this mapping activity will help students visualize the layout of the text before they start reading so they will have an idea of where they are going (or where to find the information they are looking for) when they start reading. This lesson will also address active-reading
