Connections to Inquiry-Based Learning
“Inquiry ... requires more than simply answering questions
or getting a right answer. It espouses investigation, exploration, search,
quest, research, pursuit, and study. It is enhanced by
involvement with a community of learners,
each learning from the other in social interaction.”
(Kuklthau, Maniotes & Caspari, 2007, p. 2)
Focus - initial engagement & selection of inquiry (question or topic)
Explore - Find out more, investigate
Analyze - Summarize, synthesize, draw conclusions, construct new learning
Share Learning - Communicate findings, dialogue, further steps & reflection
Classroom Use
The application Canva does require Internet connection to save designs.
That being said, once small groups or individuals were set up with a device, there are several options for design creation.
The topic of inquiry will have been decided either by the educator, individuals, or small groups, so long as they fit within the unit of study.
The ideal is to work towards a common goal of understanding.
The goal for the educator would be to use student understanding to adjust further course material. Once students complete an infographic, cheat sheet, explanation, or other course-related activity, the educator could take that information to share with the whole class.
In this way, educators could potentially clarify misunderstandings or request more detailed communication from their studens to assess their progress in the course.
Questions to ask include: What are my students showing me? What should we do next?
Links to Inquiry Phases
Activities using Canva could potentially fall under several phases, depending on the instructor's needs.
Focus - make predictions in visual format. This might also look like a mind map or brainstorm that students might continually add to over time!
Explore - check with other groups and the teacher for any adjustments needed!
Analyze - synthesis of main ideas in the unit
Share Learning - reflection on learning. Students might communicate their discoveries and how that related to their initial thoughts.
Cheat sheets can be helpful preparation for assessments. In practica, students took written tests that included reading strategies as well as comprehension. After we built cheat sheets, they were able to use it during the assessment.
In the French language classroom, it is possible for students to use Canva to create a how-to for grammar points or mnemonic devices to help learn material. These can take the form of posters, infographics, or other visual aids that communicate course material.
Activity Links to Inquiry Phases
Focus - a grammar point or other course material
Explore - use group Cheat Sheets to create one for the whole class, connect current thinking to previous knowledge, record information and keep work samples
Analyze - synthesis of main ideas in the unit
Share Learning - Students might showcase their Cheat Sheets for others to use
What students need to know
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be clear
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be concise
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use visual aids and symbols
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we welcome revisiting questions and adding new questions
Here are some links to the benefits behind Inquiry-Based Learning:
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Use of Mobile Technology for Inquiry-Based Learning http://edtechreview.in/trends-insights/insights/832-use-of-mobile-technology-for-inquiry-based-learning
Litmanen, T., Lonka, K., Inkenen, M., Lipponen, L. & Hakkarainen, K. (2012). Capturing teacher students’ emotional experiences in context: does inquiry-based learning make a difference? Instructional Science, 40(6), p. 1083-1101. DOI: 10.1007/s11251-011-9203-4
Here are some links to the potential drawbacks of Inquiry-Based Learning:
Kirschner, P. A., Sweller, J. & Clark, R. E. (2006). Why Minimal Guidance During Instruction Does Not Work: An Analysis of the Failure of Constructivist, Discovery, Problem-Based, Experiential, and Inquiry-Based Teaching. Educational Psychologist, 41(2), p. 75-86.
Other links between Inquiry and Tech!
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Education: Inquiry - Technologies in the Classroom library.queensu.ca/research/guide/education-inquiry/tech
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Using mobile technology to engage students in inquiry-based learning https://www.mcgill.ca/tls/projects/mobile-learning
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Use of Mobile Technology for Inquiry-Based Learning edtechreview.in/trends-insights/insights/832-use-of-mobile-technology-for-inquiry-based-learning
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36 Core Teaching Apps for Inquiry Learning with iPads, Teach Thought http://www.teachthought.com/critical-thinking/inquiry/36-core-teacher-apps-for-inquiry-learning-with-ipads/
