Federated Searching

ABSTRACT

With an increasing number of libraries implementing federated searching to help users negotiate the complex electronic database environment, it is important to note how users are being instructed to use these resources. This article presents the results of examinations of the Web sites of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member institutions that currently use federated search products. It analyzes help guides and search tips related to federated searching to determine what concepts are being explained to users and how the information is being communicated. The result of the evaluation of these Web sites is a list of “best practice” guidelines that may be used by librarians creating their own federated searching guides. doi:10.1300/J136v12n03_03     

The Research Experience for Education Graduate Students: A Phenomenographic Study

This article presents the findings of an exploratory study of education graduate students’ information-seeking behavior and attitudes. Qualitative data included interviews with education students, focusing on their research habits, and analyzed from phenomenographic approach that focused on variations in individuals’ experiences. The quantitative analysis stemmed from participants’ responses to the survey of their information-seeking behavior. A comparison of interview participants and survey respondents’ search skills, research strategies, and attitudes toward previous library instruction illustrate the wide variation in students’ abilities and experiences between the groups. This suggests the need for further analysis of these students’ information seeking behaviors.     

Power up! Using Digital Gaming Techniques to Enhance Library Instruction

ABSTRACT

Incorporating digital gaming into education is an increasingly popular topic in academia. Educators’ views of digital gaming (e.g., computer, video, and online games) have shifted from categorizing these games as an entertaining, yet pedagogically void activity to a promising medium that engages students in the learning process. With over 70% of college students enthusiastically playing digital games, educators are tapping into digital gaming as an effective means to teach millennials problem solving and communication skills. This article investigates gamer characteristics, motivational and engaging aspects of digital games, and the parallels between gaming and the information retrieval process. The authors build on this information to present approaches to incorporate digital gaming techniques into the library classroom since it is not feasible for all libraries to create instructional digital games.     

More of the Same? Understanding Transformation in Tablet-based Academic Library Instruction

Academic librarians have shared their experiences with tablet computers, but few examine how librarians use tablets in their instruction design. While the education literature provides technology integration models, the nature of library instruction requires adapting these models to the library classroom. After reviewing literature related to tablets in library instruction and a number of technology integration frameworks, this article demonstrates an application of the Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition framework to analyze observations of an iPad-equipped classroom at a university library. Demonstrating this use of a framework provides an approach to technology integration and continues the discussion about tablets’ potential to promote innovative pedagogy.     

建构主义视域下的高职公共英语教学模式

结合高职院校公共英语教学现状,将构建主义支架式和抛锚式教学模式运用于教学实践,从而加大了学生学习的主动性,提高了学生英语的运用能力,对高职公共英语教学改革提供了启示.     

基于闭环控制的多媒体教室群控系统的设计与实现

本文通过对多媒体教室本地控制管理模式和网络控制管理模式的分析,设计开发基于闭环控制的多媒体教室群控系统,就多媒体群控系统的各项功能进行了详尽的设计并且加以实施,实现多媒体教室管理的科学化和高效性。     

设计四个教学点 成功一堂信息课——信息技术教学环节设计探究

本文通过信息技术课教学常见环节的价值分析和具体案例的解剖,对如何进行情境引入环节、任务驱动环节、课堂提问环节、课堂评价环节的教学设计进行了探究和反思。     

录播系统在中学教育中的应用

新课程改革背景下,学校公开交流课、精品课程建设等一系列教学活动的不断增多,制作教学课堂录像已成为共享优质教学资源的一项重要需求,通过对多功能录播教室的基本组成、工作原理的介绍,分析录播教室在教育教学中的重要作用和存在的不足。     

考试系统中的自动组卷算法分析与研究

考试是教学过程中不可缺少的重要环节,它可以检测教学效果和学生对课程的掌握情况,为教学改进提供依据。作为计算机辅助教学的一部分,计算机考试系统的客观性、公正性、全面性正受到人们越来越多的关注。文章主要分析并研究了计算机考试系统中的自动组卷算法。     

An assessment of student preferences for PowerPoint presentation structure in undergraduate courses

Studies have demonstrated that students prefer PowerPoint and respond favorably to classes when it is used. Few studies have addressed the physical structure of PowerPoint. In this study, students enrolled in several psychology classes on two campuses completed a 36 item questionnaire regarding their preferences for the use of PowerPoint in the classroom. Students preferred the use of key phrase outlines, pictures and graphs, slides to be built line by line, sounds from popular media or that support the pictures or graphics on the slide, color backgrounds, and to have the lights dimmed. It is recommended that professors pay attention to the physical aspects of PowerPoint slides and handouts to further enhance students’ educational experience.