Computer-supported learning environment (CSLE) Information Retrieval Game (IR Game) is described and evaluated. The IR Game is based on idea that test collections used in laboratorybased IR experiments could be used in instruction as a rapid query analysis tool. The goal is to provide a realistic environment for demonstrating the performance of queries in different types of search situations. The outline of the IR Game is introduced both at the technical and instructional levels. An evaluation experiment is reported revealing that students found different characteristics of the IR Game both enhancing and inhibiting learning. The perceived usefulness of features like query performancefeedback, visualization of serch results, comparison of queries, document browsing and help facilities are discussed. Several ideas for the elaboration of information retrieval learning environments are put forward. These include design of search tasks, implementation of feedback, social negotiation and articulation of student's working theories.

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In order to design information retrieval (IR) learning environments and instruction, it is important to explore available pedagogical solutions and their impact on learning experiences and performance in learning situations. The particular focus of this study is the demonstration of how pedagogical solutions like scaffolding and anchored instruction can be implemented in IR instruction and what effects it has on learning experiences and performance compared to a more traditional learning environment and instruction. The study of these solutions is a novel approach in information science. The 65 participants of an introductory course on IR were selected for this study, and the analysis illustrates their learning experiences and performance. The method for empathy-based stories (MEBS) as well as course feedback questionnaire and log files of search exercises were used to collect data. The results indicated that anchoring and scaffolding are promising strategies to make learning experiences meaningful and create learners' ownership of one's learning. Performance analysis indicates that scaffolding with an instructional tool, the IR Game, with performance feedback and scaffolding and anchoring by tutors, enables students to construct more effective queries. Results of the study, in terms of the benefits of anchoring and scaffolding, are not categorical because of the range of intervening variables; and the difficulty of setting up a field experiment which tried to be naturalistic, but at the same time tried to focus on a specific aspect.

The design and evaluation of two information retrieval (IR) learning environments took place in a basic course of IR (6 ECTS credits) at the Department of Information Studies at the University of Tampere. The course consisted of lectures, web exercises and tutored search exercises. Tutored exercises were carried out in two learning environments, in a traditional and in an experimental one. The participants in the study (n=57), were undergraduate students of information studies at the university.

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