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Eero Sormunen
Tutkimus - [Research]
The Interactive Query Performance
Analyser for Information Retrieval Systems (Query Performance Analyser - QPA
for short) is a tool for utilizing standard test settings in an
interactive way: the user receives immediate feedback, both numeric and visual,
on query performance, based on the relevance corpora. QPA is used both in
research and teaching. It is an excellent tool for demonstrating how
alternative query formulation strategies affect searching performance. The tool
can also be used to build learning environments where students may perform
exercises and learn IR techniques at their own pace.
Web
Searching, Information Literacy and Learning (Web-SeaL) is a research project
funded by Academy of Finland for the years 2006-2009. The project aims to
study the relations between Web searching, information literacy and learning
and to clarify the interplay of information literacy and learning in the
Web-dominated and mobile information environment. Contextual information
seeking and use - observation recording, information searching and reporting - becomes
possible.
Aims and research
questions
The project
focuses on two main research questions in two educational contexts,
comprehensive schools and higher education:
How
do learners search, evaluate and use information in essay and project presentation
type of learning tasks? -
How
information literacy can be improved by integrating IL instruction into the
curriculum?
The
empirical results of the project are applicable in the design of learning
environments for information literacy at various levels of education. The
results may be applied to enhance the role of information literacy in teachers’
education. The project will introduce practical models for integrating
information searching into learning tasks, especially in open learning environments
and distance learning.
Team A: Searching and
learning behaviour
The main research
question of the team is how learners search, evaluate and use information in
essay and project presentation type of learning tasks. Especially,
- How
do learners recognize and specify information needs, select information
channels and environments, and search?
- How
learners assess different types of documents and sources of information?
- How
learners interpret and use information found in different media forms (e.g.,
texts, images)?
- How
the way of introducing the assignment and the instructional methods used affect
on user behaviour in these processes?
- How
the use of mobile tools affect on information searching, information use and
learning experiences?
-
How
the differences in searching and using information are related to learning
styles and outcomes?
Researchers
- Dept of Information Studies: Mikko
Tanni (doctoral student), Kai Halttunen (post-doc), Eero Sormunen (supervisor)
- Dept of Education: Antti Syvänen
(doctoral student), Eero Panzar (supervisor), Vesa Korhonen (postdoc,
co-supervisor)
Team B: Information
literacy and learning
Team B
focuses on the question how information literacy can be improved by integrating
IL instruction into the curriculum. The main question raises several
sub-questions:
- What
is the role of IL instruction in self-directed learning and knowledge acquisition
tasks?
- What
are appropriate ways of integration to support learners in IL learning
processes?
- What
are learning experiences, processes and outcomes in integrated IL instruction?
- How
problem-based learning integrates information literacy to the learning process?
- How
specific pedagogical solutions (e.g. producing digital videos as PBL cycle)
support meaningful learning of information literacy?
Researchers
- University of Tampere/Dept. of Information
Studies: Eero Sormunen (supervisor), Kai
Halttunen (post-doc, co-supervisor)
- University of Tampere/Eduta Institute: Timo Portimojärvi
(researcher, external funding)
- University of Lapland / Faculty of Education: Päivi
Hakkarainen (doctoral student), Esa Poikela (supervisor) and Heli Ruokamo, (supervisor),
Centre for Media Pedagogy.
Home page
https://www11.uta.fi/blog/webseal/
Contact information
Prof. Eero Sormunen
University of Tampere (UTA)
Department of Information Studies
e-mail: eero.sormunen@uta.fi
phone: +358-3-3551 6972
Updated 2.8.2007/Eero Sormunen
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