Abstract: Aalborg University Library has developed a user centred information literacy e-learning multimedia system: SWIM (Streaming Web-based Information Modules).

ADSL version:
http://www.aub.auc.dk/swim/swim_uk/adsl/splashintro.html
 

LAN version:
http://www.aub.auc.dk/swim/swim_uk/lan/splashintro.html

SWIM is a social simulator based on interactive video, where the user has to reflect on and make decisions on information searching strategy in different dilemmas. The user of SWIM is placed in a narrative, where (s)he becomes an active and communicating member of a project group. The narrative is structured in such a way that the users’ choices are decisive and creates the conditions for a final examination, where the supervisor of the project group is giving a constructive feedback on the information searching strategy chosen by the user.
The user of SWIM is situated here as a student at a higher educational institution, where the students work in groups with a problem orientated pedagogy. The students have to define and orientate towards the problem they are exploring during their learning process. The basic assumption behind this choice of pedagogy in the education of candidates is matching the exigency of the information society.
When the students have to define their own problems the resulting product and work process towards the result is unknown and characterized by uncertainty. When both product and process are unknown the required information resources are also unknown. The student makes a direct connection between information resources and the problem in this situation.
The starting point of user education has traditionally been the retrieval of information from information resources. This starting point does not take into account that there may be human factors creating feelings of uncertainty and ambiguity, which may confuse the student [Kuhlthau, Seeking Meaning, 1993]. Our starting point is the user’s situation – in different situations different types of information skills are required. This has inspired the fundamental design behind SWIM as well as learning theories corresponding to the information searching process.
In the workshop the participants will be able to try the programme followed by a short presentation of the structure and underlying concept behind SWIM and the latest experience of SWIM in practice will be elaborated. There will be room for discussion of various scenarios in which SWIM can be used or other questions raised in the workshop.

Please visit http://www.swiminfo.dk for more information about the SWIM project.