E-Learning Workshop

Finding, using and reusing quality web resources in computer science

Intute: a supportive, authoritative guide to the Internet

The Internet isn't perfect. Issues of trust, quality and poor search skills are very real and significant concerns – particularly in the learning context. Lecturers, students and researchers are faced with a complex online environment, with many different routes into many different resources. It is hardly a surprise that many people turn to Google. At best, this means missing out on important high quality resources. At worst, it means they are finding, using and perpetuating the use of poor quality information through the growing “good enough” mentality.

Intute, formerly the Resource Discovery Network (RDN), is funded by JISC to facilitate the effective use of the Internet in learning, teaching and research. Our site provides structured access to the best of the Web for higher and further education, enabling students to go on journeys of research and discovery. Web resources are evaluated by subject experts on Higher and Further Education. Our Virtual Training Suite is continually updated to provide free online Internet training for over 65 subject areas.

Students need support when using the Internet – in finding good resources and in getting the best from them in their education. This workshop will help staff to understand how to support their students by embedding this free Internet service into their Web services, course materials and teaching. It will focus on the resources in Intute: Science, Engineering and Technology (SET), and involve practical exercises, examples of good practice and chance to shared knowledge and experiences.

The Intute service will be launched in July 2006, and this will also be a first look opportunity.