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Software Curriculum & Implementation Research Policy
Frequently Asked Questions about the KIE Software

    Is KIE network software?

    KIE can be thought of as a front-end to the Web, providing both software and curricular materials to help make students' experiences using the Web more productive and focused on learning.

    Is KIE a notebook?

    No, not really. Students do use Mildred to take notes on activities, evidence, and claims. And they can edit documents via the Documents window, but KIE is much more than just a notebook.

    Is Mildred the only place where students take notes?

    No, some projects can be designed so that students take notes in ClarisWorks. Students can also view and print all the notes they've taken in Mildred using Netscape Navigator.

    Are the KIE Evidence pages actual pages on the Web or are they part of KIE?

    Yes to both. Every piece of evidence that students are directed to look at has a Evidence page associated with it. These Evidence pages are actually real pages on the Web, and can be accessed just like any other Web page, but they are created in a specific format for KIE projects in order to provide necessary direction and guidance. They provide an easy way to provide students with advance organizer information before they explore a potentially complex Web site.

    Is there always a link on a KIE Evidence page to the "real" evidence?

    Usually this is a good idea, but it's up to the developer of the project. It often depends on the size and complexity of what students need to look at, as well as various other factors. You must also avoid plagiarizing others' work! Contact the KIE team if you need help determining what's acceptable use of others' Web sites.

    What parts of KIE are on the Web and what parts aren't?
    The 4 KIE-developed software components (KIE Tools palette, Documents, Mildred and SenseMaker) all reside on a local hard drive. Additionally, the contents of a project (the specific activities, guidance, list of evidence, etc.) reside on a local hard drive. The Evidence Database, the evidence itself, and SpeakEasy are on the Web. There is, however, a lot of back and forth communication from the local components to the Web-based components.


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Send inquiries to kie_info@www.kie.berkeley.edu. (Modified November 97, Vygotsky) UC-Berkeley Copyright © 1995-97 KIE Research Group and the UC-Regents.