Search

Search engines are the most utilized tools to access information on the Web, and they are widely used to support learning activities, even though they are specially used for acquiring factual knowledge, and do not support searching as learning tasks. In this paper we present SaR-Web, a search tool that allows the visualization of search results with a semantic added value in order to facilitate comparisons and further analysis. SaR-Web was originally developed to support search as research activities: it allows to analyze search results under diverse cultural and social perspectives. By fostering critical thinking and creative learning, SaR-Web promotes search as learning processes. A recent evaluation of the system by students attending the WebScience course at the University of Hanover is presented. Preliminary results highlight the positive impact that the system had on students in stimulating creativity and critical thinking.

The veterinary curriculum is predominantly characterized by lecturing large amounts of facts than by self-directed learning of the students. According to previous research on educational concepts, however, by just listening, students memorize a smaller fraction of the presented information. In addition, the ability of self-directed learning is a perquisite for lifelong acquisition up to date knowledge for veterinary practitioners. In this project 162 fourth year students attending the clinical rotation of reproduction of domestic animals were enrolled. To motivate students to engage in self-directed learning, instead of writing a clinical case report, they were allowed to choose a topic of their own interest in the field of animal reproduction. They had a free choice for the method of presentation. Their attitudes and experiences were evaluated in a questionnaire. 87.7% of students decided to research and present a topic of their own choice instead of a clinical case report. They presented the information with a talk (44.9%), a quiz or board game (26.8%), a poster, video (18.8%), or with a model (5.1%). Evaluation of the project revealed that the time for preparation did not differ between a chosen topic and a case report. The students stated that learning success and motivation was higher when preparing or listening to presentations and colleague talks compared to writing standard case reports. Overall, motivation was high and as a side effect, the students produced valuable teaching material for following courses.

The 1987 National Council on Family Relations Film Awards Competition was held in Fargo, North Dakota, the week of May 4-8. This competition was hosted by the Child Development and Family Science Department, College of Home Economics, North Dakota State University. The purpose of the annual competition is tc evaluate quality and endorse excellence in the production of films with themes relevant to family issues, tc promote the effective use of these resources, and to encourage high standards in the development of creative learning opportunities.

The 1987 annual National Council on Family Relations Filmstrip/ Videotape Competition was hosted by the Child Development and Family Science Department, College of Home Economics, North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota, the week of April 6-10, 1987. The purpose of this competition, according to NCFR, was to evaluate quality and endorse excellence in the production of filmstrips and videotapes with themes relevant to family issues, to promote the effective use of these resources, and to encourage high standards in the development of creative learning opportunities.