Learning Information Retrieval through an Educational Game. Is Gaming sufficient for learning?

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Halttunen, Kai^{; *} | Sormunen, Eero

Affiliations: Department of Information Studies, University of Tampere, Finland. E-mail: kai.halttunen@uta.fi and eero.sormunen@uta.fi

Correspondence: [*] Department of Information Studies, FIN-33014 University of Tampere, Finland. Tel.: +358 3 215 6957; Fax: +358 3 215 6560

Abstract: Computer-supported learning environment (CSLE) Information Retrieval Game (IR Game) is described and evaluated. The IR Game is based on the idea that test collections used in laboratory-based IR experiments could be used in instruction as a rapid query analysis tool. The goal is to provide a realistic environment for demonstrating the performance of queries in different types of search situations. The outline of the IR Game is introduced both at the technical and instructional levels. An evaluation experiment is reported revealing that students found different characteristics of the IR Game both enhancing and inhibiting learning. The perceived usefulness of features like query performance feedback, visualization of serch results, comparison of queries, document browsing and help facilities are discussed. Several ideas for the elaboration of information retrieval learning environments are put forward. These include design of search tasks, implementation of feedback, social negotiation and articulation of student's working theories.

DOI: 10.3233/EFI-2000-18403

Journal: Education for Information, vol. 18, no. 4, pp. 289-311, 2000