SaR-Web - A tool to support search as learning processes

Search engines are the most utilized tools to access information on the Web, and they are widely used to support learning activities, even though they are specially used for acquiring factual knowledge, and do not support searching as learning tasks. In this paper we present SaR-Web, a search tool that allows the visualization of search results with a semantic added value in order to facilitate comparisons and further analysis. SaR-Web was originally developed to support search as research activities: it allows to analyze search results under diverse cultural and social perspectives. By fostering critical thinking and creative learning, SaR-Web promotes search as learning processes. A recent evaluation of the system by students attending the WebScience course at the University of Hanover is presented. Preliminary results highlight the positive impact that the system had on students in stimulating creativity and critical thinking.