GEO. - FQ

About the organisation and selection of the links

Don´t you mean an FAQ.? What is an FQ?
Why use the Dewey Decimal Classification System?
What basic criteria do you use for the selection of links in the Dewey classified pages and applications?
Is the "Main Dewey Links" simply all of the "Specialized Links" added together?
All this realtime stuff, robots, controlling the space shuttle and virtual teachers - will I need a fancy computer and all kinds of plugins (and what are those anyway)?

Don´t you mean an FAQ.? What is an FQ?

These pages are new, so I haven´t had any any serious feedback yet . FQ means forseen questions!

Why use the Dewey Decimal Classification System?

Some kind of classification scheme for web information resources is necessary. The average highschool student (and teacher) has very limited time to spend on the Internet. They usually have access to overworked, sometimes slow, net connections. Every minute counts. Even good web sites often take time to navigate to where you want to go . Dewey suits for several reasons:

• It´s a well tried classification scheme which has worked for around a century and there are already some applications on the WWW (e.g. 1, 2)
  
• It´s a scheme used almost universally in Icelandic libraries and very widely in school libraries throughout the world. Students are therefore already familiar with the scheme and can relate WWW resources to real book resources. Cross linking between the two is provided directly on these pages.
  
• It appears to suit WWW resources quite well. This is hardly surprising since the majority of web sites are (still) basically providing illustrated, text -based presentations (i.e.electronic "books"),
  
• It provides a solid framework for information resources which can be very easily expanded. New links can be added without much thought. This is a major advantage given the generally time-consuming nature of web page maintainence.

   

What basic criteria do you use for the selection of links in the Dewey classified pages and applications?

• I visit all the sites myself and have a good look at them from the highschool teacher´s point of view.
  
• I select links to web sites that are suitable for the highschool student (Icelandic edu. system). Apart from web sites specifically aimed at the highschool student,this can include, for instance, university sites and professional organizations on the one hand but elementary school level material on the other. It´s a question of the nature of the information offered and how it is to be used.
  
• I favour two basic types of link. One is to large comprehensive listings on disciplines and subjects (e.g. BUBL). The other is to specific pages within web sites which deal with a particular topic. Such selection fits very well into the Dewey Classification system. I give credit to the owners or authors of every page. (if not, it´s a mistake. Please let me know). I try not to include too many web sites which give the same links, thus avoiding repetition.
  
• I provide an annotation with every link. This is a description or comment intended mainly for the Icelandic highschool student. (if there is no annotation, then it´s a mistake. Please let me know )
  

Is the "Main Dewey Links" simply all of the "Specialized Links" added together?

• Yes and no. Some of the Global links for instance, may be found in the Main Dewey Links if they are also of interest and value in a particular discipline . The same applies to virtual reality links such as virtual field trips, in a few cases. However, by and large an attempt is made to separate all the Specialized links from the Main Dewey list. The Main Dewey links are intended to provide mainly general text , picture and data on broad subjects or particular topics.
  

All this realtime stuff, robots, controlling the space shuttle and virtual teachers - will I need a fancy computer and all kinds of plugins (and what are those anyway)?

The links will all work fine on the average computer, but to be realistic, a 486 PC would be the minimum. An entry level Pentium is ideal. (Or of course nearly any Mac!). If you have Netscape 3.0 or equivalent, then everything should work. If you have Netscape 2.0 then you will need one plugin (QT), possibly two, in order to be able to see videos, hear sound etc.. You can download these at plugins. Most realtime sound seems to demand a 28,800 bs modem. If you don´t know anything about these things, then there are two possibilities:

• Get a friend who likes computers to download them for you and set them up. (if they know how to, it´s not a big job)
  
• Learn how to do this yourself by looking at some online help.
  

No, I don´t think you can control the space shuttle. But you could try the remote controlled toaster in Australia.