This document outlines a new research agenda called "Search as Learning" that focuses on how search systems can be used as learning technologies rather than just information retrieval tools. It identifies three critical bottlenecks: 1) algorithms and interfaces are tested in small lab studies with simulated tasks, 2) lack of awareness among researchers in different disciplines, and 3) missing shared research infrastructure. It proposes six initial research themes around understanding search as a learning process and how learning can be measured during searches. The goals are to foster cross-discipline collaboration, combine theoretical and empirical contributions to identify gaps and questions, and create a shared benchmark to advance the topic. The agenda was presented at a seminar that introduced perspectives from information retrieval, psychology, education, and

1. Search as Learning
17092
Preben Hansen
Claudia Hauff
Claus-Peter Klas
Kevyn Collins-Thompson

2. “ this is a new research agenda …
it focuses on the impact, influence,
and consequences of using search
systems as learning technologies
rather than information retrieval
tools and techniques

3. Interdisciplinary
Psychology Information
Retrieval
Education

4. 3 Critical bottlenecks
(our view)
1. Novel algorithms & interfaces
are tested in small-scale,
short-term laboratory studies
with simulated tasks.
2. Lack of awareness among
researchers in different
disciplines.
3. A shared research infrastructure
is missing.

5. 6 Research themes
(based on key challenges)
RT1 ***
Understanding search as a
human learning process:
when and how does
learning occur in the search
process?
RT2 *********
How can learning
performance and learning
outcomes be measured
during search? What search
process features can act as
indicators of learning?
RT3 *****
What is the relationship
between the learning
process and the context
(educational, work-related,
etc.) the learning &
searches occur in?
RT4 **
How do collaborations in
the search process
influence learning
outcomes?
RT5 *********
What type of functionalities
and interventions on the
search system interface
level and the search
algorithm level foster
learning?
RT6 ***
How does learning whilst
searching manifest itself
for different populations
such as children and
non-experts?
Not set in stone, just a starting point!

6. Goals1. To foster cross-discipline ‘search as learning’ collaborations.
2. To combine & analyze theoretical and empirical contributions in different
fields to determine gaps, shared issues, and novel research questions.
3. To create a shared benchmark dedicated towards the ‘search as learning’
topic, enabling the wider research community to directly benefit from our
progress.

7. Today
We go with
the flow!
Changes are
possible!
09:15 - 10:45
Session 1
3-minute madness
1 slide/participant
1) Who you are & your research background
2) One example of your past work related to the seminar topic
3) What you would like to get out of this seminar (ideas, collaborations)
10:45 - 11:15 Coffee break
11:15 - 12:15
Session 2
SAL – An interdisciplinary introduction
30 minutes/talk
- IR/IIR perspective: Heather O’Brien
- Psychology perspective: Yvonne Kammerer
12:15 - 13:30 Lunch
13:30- 15:15
Session 3
SAL – An interdisciplinary introduction, cont'd.
30 minutes/talk
- Education perspective: Marc Rittberger
- IR/Systems perspective: Yiqun Liu
Breakout: Exploring the challenges
15:15 - 15:45 Coffee break
15:45 - 17:00
Session 3
cont’d
Breakout: Exploring the challenges continued
17:00 - 18:00
Session 4
Presentation: New set of challenges for SAL
20 minutes/group + questions
wrap-up
18:00 - 19:00 Dinner

8. Let’s
start!