Using metaphor as a
Using metaphor as a
navigation device in
navigation device in
e-learning design
learning design
Liz Falconer
Background
Background
Recognition that an electronic resource could assist in the
Recognition that an electronic resource could assist in the
teaching and learning of research methods to optimise
teaching and learning of research methods to optimise
reusability, andreusability, and
shareabilityshareability
Also that learning is more effective when a
Also that learning is more effective when a
“pull” rather than a “push” model is used
Design issues
Design issues
E-learning techniques are particularly effective in E-learning techniques are particularly effective in
enabling this style of learning
enabling this style of learning
Pull models requirePull models require 1.
1. ResourcesResources
2.
2. A means of navigating and making sense of these A means of navigating and making sense of these
resources
resources
Metaphors are already widely used in Metaphors are already widely used in
education and on the Web, e.g. book and
education and on the Web, e.g. book and
office metaphors such as pages, contents,
office metaphors such as pages, contents,
files, folders and filing cabinets.
Searching for the metaphor
Searching for the metaphor
Board
Teacher
Library and resources
Student Student Student Student
Here, the teacher
Here, the teacher
pushes information to
pushes information to
the students, either
the students, either
directly or reflected
directly or reflected
off the board.
off the board.
Students are navigated
Students are navigated
through resources by
through resources by
the teacher.
the teacher.
The Classroom?
Maps as metaphors
Maps as metaphors
“By virtue of their spacio-cognitive abilities, humans are able to navigate through geographical space …… those cognitive skills also have value in the exploration and analysis of non-geographic
information.”
Maps show us
Maps show us
• Where we are relative to other placesWhere we are relative to other places
• How to get somewhere from where we are nowHow to get somewhere from where we are now
• How big the surrounding environment is, andHow big the surrounding environment is, and
Learning landscapes
Learning landscapes
Content and context
The research observatory metaphor
The research observatory metaphor
The research
Why a star map?
Why a star map?
Same material being seen from different perspectivesSame material being seen from different perspectives
Defining constellation patterns in the data Defining constellation patterns in the data
Alternative futures?
Alternative futures?
Choose a metaphorChoose a metaphor
Choose no metaphorChoose no metaphor
Join the discussionJoin the discussion
