SCALE Helps Students Learn Debating Skills
The SCALE project had two very topical, complementary and inextricably linked objectives under the Information Society Technologies (IST) area of the EU's Framework Programme. The first was to enable 16 to 18 years to learn argumentation on different topics under the guidance of their teachers. Then to provide a new interactive computer-mediated tool that combines real-time exchanges with browser-driven Web consultation. "The ability to develop a persuasive argument is a very important skill, not just for success in education but also for later life, says project co-ordinator Dr Masoud Saeedi, from the University of London. "We know that students like to chat, so we developed tools that motivate them carry out their tasks. Then, by separating factual statements from opinion, the students can judge the strengths of each argument". "We have utilised a Computer Mediated Communication tool called DREW (Dialogical Reasoning Educational Webtool) as well as ALEX (Argumentative Learning EXperience), supported by a graphic tool, to develop an internet-based system (www.euroscale.net ) using XML, Java & advanced search techniques for the interface, and a pedagogical website for teachers to load teaching sequences for any chosen topic and for accessing results. No special hardware is required - all you need is a computer with an internet connection and a Web browser which supports Java. The means that messages can be exchanged in real-time between two or more people using various tools, including a multilingual facility, to improve communication. The SCALE software allows teachers to tailor lessons to the individuals' needs and can be used across many disciplines. It also helps teachers to assess students' work by enabling them to monitor sessions and replay discussions. Teachers have been involved at every stage of the project to provide professional input on the practical aspects of using these tools in a classroom "This project reinforces the role that Information Society Technology has to play in helping future generations develop their communication skills, says Peter Walters, FP6UK's National Contact Point for IST. "By helping young people to develop the skills to look at issues critically we are enabling them to play a full and active part in our society. "The Framework Programmes are the EU's main vehicle for support of leading edge, internationally collaborative R&D. The current Framework Programme (FP6) runs until 2006 and organisations wanting free information on how to access some of the 19bn available should log on to http://fp6uk.ost.gov.uk(opens in new window) or call central telephone support on 0870 600 6080. So far schools in the UK, Portugal, The Netherlands, Hungary, France and Finland have taken part in trials of the SCALE software. Although it was originally developed purely for use in secondary schools, trials in primary classrooms have shown the potential of using DREW with other age groups. The EU's Framework Programmes are the world's largest, publicly funded, research and technological development programmes. The Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) covers the period 2002-2006 and is the European Union's main instrument for the funding of collaborative research and innovation. It is open to public and private entities of all sizes in the EU and a number of non-EU countries. It has an overall budget of 19 billion. Most of the budget for FP6 is devoted to work in seven priority thematic areas:,? Life sciences, Genetics and Biotechnology for Health;,? Information Society Technologies;,? Nanotechnologies and Nanosciences, Knowledgebased Multifunctional Materials and New Production Processes and Devices;,? Aeronautics and Space;,? Food Quality and Safety;,? Sustainable Development, Global Change and Ecosystems; and,? Citizens and Governance in a Knowledge-based Society. There is also a focus on the research activities of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across all seven thematic areas. The services of FP6UK are provided by the Office of Science & Technology (OST) / Department of Trade & Industry (DTI). More information can be found on http://fp6uk.ost.gov.uk(opens in new window) IST Programme ,The IST Priority Thematic Area (PTA) of the 6th Framework Programme (FP6) is the largest of the seven PTA's - with a budget of 3.822bn over the lifetime of FP6. Over 400 projects will arise from the first three calls, These calls had a combined budget in excess of 1.5 billion. The 4th Call for proposals is presently open it will close on 21 March 2005. It will be followed in May by the 5th call closing Sept 2005. Together these remaining calls have a budget of 1.7 billion.
Countries
United Kingdom