Transforming Information Professions

Members
Judy Clayden, Barbara Combes, Dr Janette Ring, Robyn Valli

ALIA/ASLA School Libraries Project

Judy Clayden

Barbara Combes
BA, Grad Dip Ed, Grad Dip App Sc (Teacher Librarianship), MA Internet Studies

Artificial Intelligence Project

Members: Barbara Combes, Dr Phil Hingston, Dr Martin Masek

Teaching and Learning Grant 2006: Developing pedagogy for using Games to teach Computer Science

Continuing advances in real-time graphics have widened the gap between the visual quality of video games and the realism of actions performed by entities within them. With cinematic quality graphics now available in real-time due to sophisticated programmable graphics pipelines, the simulation of physics and intelligence are the next targets for growth. While the simulation of physics is receiving some attention, with several software and hardware solutions, the simulation of intelligence in games lags behind. In part, this is due to the nature of the two problems. While the challenge in physics simulation is real-time implementation of established physical relationships, implementing intelligence involves both the problems of real-time implementation, combined with the problem of quantifying intelligence itself.

To address the problem, we propose to develop and run a unit on using artificial intelligence (AI) in video games. Running such a course effectively presents another challenge. Personal computers, the Internet and computer games are changing the way that people interact with each other, learn and access information. Yet the impact of these changes on university education has been limited. Our second area of focus is the development of engaging pedagogy using new media to foster deep learning, paralleling the efforts of Microsoft in using computer games to enhance computer science curriculum.

Published papers:

Hingston, P., Combes, B. and Masek, M. (2006). Teaching an Undergraduate AI Course with Games and Simulation. Lecture Notes on Computer Science, 3942, 494-506.

Hingston, P., Combes, B. and Masek, M. (2006). Developing Pedagogy for Using Computer Games Production to Teach Artificial Intelligence. Poster presentation at the Microsoft Research Asia Workshop, Graphics and Gaming Theme, 23 - 24 March, 2007, Beijing

Woodhouse, M. (2006). Research connections from the school community: a novice interviewer’s experience of collecting evidence-based practice data that supports deep learning. Paper presented at TILC: Information Libraries and eLearning II, 30 September, 2006.

Teaching and Learning Grant 2005: Using Learning Objects in Teaching Artificial Intelligence

The focus of this action research project is to seek student feedback on the efficacy of using an animated competitive game with simulated physics to teach Artificial Intelligence techniques in an undergraduate computer science course. Students develop intelligent controllers for simulated vehicles, which compete with each other in a tournament. The simulation includes a graphical animation of the contests, and the students’ solutions utilise an AI toolkit (learning object) that provides animated displays showing the internal workings of their controllers in parallel with the simulation. Students work in teams and independently as they test, evaluate and reprogram their game using the AI Toolkit. The result is a highly sructured learning experience that provides students with autonomy in their learning in a supported environmenti. It is intended to be motivational, to engage students with the learning materials and to help them to develop mental models of the AI algorithms.

Published papers:

Hingston, P. and Combes, B. (2005). Using games and simulation to teach AI. In The Reflective Practitioner. Proceedings of the 14th Annual Teaching Learning Forum, 3-4 February 2005. Perth: Murdoch University. Retrieved on 13 February 2006 fromhttp://lsn.curtin.edu.au/tlf/tlf2005/refereed/hingston.html

Woodhouse, M. (2005). Using in-depth interviews to evaluate deep learning in students who use online curriculum: a literature review. Paper presented at TILC: Information Libraries and eLearning, 1 October, 2005, Perth WA, p. 214-225.

Information seeking behaviour of the Net Generation

Barbara is currently completing her PhD at Curtin University. The title of her topic of study is: Tech-savvy or tech-oriented? Information seeking behaviour and the Net Generation.

Published papers:

Combes, B. (2006). Techno Savvy and all-knowing or techno-oriented? Information-seeking Behaviour and the Net Generation. IASL Reports 2006: The Mutiple Faces of Literacy, Reading, Knowing, Doing, Lisbon, Portugal.

Combes. B. (2006). Techno savvy or techno oriented? Who are the Net Generation? Proceedings of the Asia-Pacific Conference on Library & Information Education and Practice (A-LIEP) 2006: Preparing Information Professionals for Leadership in the New Age, Singapore, 3-6 April 2006, p. 401-408.

Combes, B. (2005). The copy-and-paste culture of the Net Generation: Strategies for dealing with plagiarism. ACCESS 19 (1), 21-24.

First Year Experience with Online Study at University

Barbara is also conducting research in first experiences of online students at university. This research looks at students’ emotional response to studying in the online environment and the impact this has on their learning experience at university. It is an ongoing study and is currently in the third year.

Published papers and conference presentations include:

Combes. B. & Anderson, K. (2006). Supporting first year e-learners in courses for the information professions. Proceedings of the Asia-Pacific Conference on Library & Information Education and Practice (A-LIEP) 2006: Preparing Information Professionals for Leadership in the New Age, Singapore, 3-6 April 2006, Singapore, 3-6 April 2006, p. 587-597.

eLearning: CLEO (Curriculum, Learning and Education Online/Onsite)

Members: Barbara Combes, Dr Janette Ring, Robyn Valli

Published papers/book chapters:
Combes, B & Valli, R. (2006). The future of learning objects. In Principles and Practices of the Effective Use of Learning Objects, Alex Koohang & Keith Harman (Eds.), UK: Informing Science Press.

Combes, B. (2005). From smorgasbord to satisfying meal: An holistic approach to information literacy and lifelong learning, Proceedings of the Transforming Information and Learning Conference (TILC), Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia.

Combes, B. (2005). Computers, ICTs and online curriculum: A role for the Teacher Librarian? IASL Reports, 2005, Information leadership in a culture of change, Hong Kong, China.

Anderson, K., Clayden, J., Combes, B., Ring, J. and Williams, T. (2005). Out of the frying pan and into the spa: Developing an online learning community and culture, Pacific Asian Education: A Journal about Education in Pacific Circle Countries, 17 (1), 44-53.

Combes, B. (2004). Literature circles on-line: practical strategies for creating a reading culture using technology. IASL Reports, 2004 From Aesop to e- book: the story goes on..., proceedings of the 2004 SLA/IASL Joint Conference, Dublin, Republic of Ireland.

Combes, B and Sekulla, G. (2003). Education in cyberspace: Creating online curriculum through effective partnerships. International Journal of Learning, 10.

Combes, B and Sekulla, G. (2003). Using ICT to create a dynamic online learning environment. Virtual paper and poster presented at the Fourth International Conference on Information Communication Technologies in Education (ICICTE), Research and Training Institute of the East Aegean, Greece, July 2003

Combes, B and Sekulla, G. (2002). Creating online curriculum: Effective partnerships. School Libraries Worldwide, 8 (2).