Using Online Tools to Enhance Classrooms: A Case Study with MaSH (Making Serendipity Happen)

: The middle ground between distance learning and standard-issue classroom education is ripe for exploration. In particular, the Open Directory Project shows that groups of people can create their own portals onto the Web. MaSH (Making Serendipity Happen) is a system similar to ODP that also allows users to rank and comment on information, allowing students and teachers to quickly create course-specific resources, with the best information found by one shared by all. A case study using MaSH to support a computer science course for pre-majors suggests it encourages students to spend more time and learn more about course topics while providing an easy way for instructors to get feedback and assignments from students and learn more about their interests.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2001
• Where: WEBNET
• Authors: Dan Cosley
• Keywords: Internet Technology, Middle Ground, Open Directory Project, Standard-issue Classroom Education, WEBNET 2001