COLOS: Conceptual Learning Of Science

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The COLOS group was founded in 1988 and today consists of 10 working groups from universities in seven European countries. COLOS stands for ‘Conceptual Learning Of Science’ and reflects our major goal: to use the potential of modern technology to improve knowledge and understanding of basic concepts in science and technology with a special focus on intuitive and qualitative approaches. A general idea behind the COLOS project was to stimulate the production and use of software for education at university level. Following a bottom-up approach, a group of motivated people from different fields in science and technology were brought together and equipped in such a way that, within a common frame work, different software packages could be developed to meet local needs for teaching and research (Hartel, 1990a; Hartel, 1993). By intensive use of network communication and semi-annual project meetings, the members have moved towards general solutions and cooperative actions. A set of tools to support the production of computer assisted teaching/learning material and a series of software packages on a variety of topics have been developed and will be evaluated during the near future.Â