ETEC 533 Inquiry e-folio

WISE (Web-based Inquiry Science Environment)

WISE is an online learning environment where students can engage in critical inquiry into various phenomena. It was initiated in 1996 at the University of California, Berkeley with a focus of capitalizing on the potential of the internet to create a novel learning experience within science (Linn, Clark, & Slotta, 2003). WISE utilizes the potential of the internet to engage students in a web-based inquiry approach to learning where learning becomes “visible” to peers, teacher, and self (Gobert, Snyder, & Houghton, 2002). This enables a feed-forward progression of learning where students and teachers can easily adjust the learning process as necessary.

The interface provides the students with a flow chart indicating what step of the inquiry process they are engaging in. Students work together and provide each with critical insight into their learning. Prompts are provided for students to reflect on their learning, and the process includes utilizing scientific models, simulations, and other computer generated tools.  There are many projects available from WISE that teachers can use in their classroom, or a teacher may wish to use the WISE platform to create their own.

Our design group (E) is considering using WISE to create a project that focuses on mathematics (data analysis), and environmental impacts on climate change. The target group will be junior secondary students (grade 8-10) and the project will involve direct examination of individual student’s waste and contribution to carbon emissions.  We are utilizing formative assessment strategies within our design that is based on the learning theory of constructivism.

I am really excited to be working with our group and look forward to seeing what our final product will look like.  We aim to create a project that we can actually utilize within the classroom. 

Linn, M., Clark, D., & Slotta, J.  (2003). Wise design for knowledge integration.  Science Education, 87(4), 517-538. UBC library: full-text available online

Gobert, J., Snyder, J., & Houghton, C. (2002, April). The influence of students’ understanding of models on model-based reasoning. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association (AERA), New Orleans, Louisiana. Retrieved February 23, 2009, from http://mtv.concord.org/publications/epistimology_paper.pdf 48

Williams, M. Linn, M.C. Ammon, P. & Gearhart, M.  (2004). Learning to teach inquiry science in a technology-based environment:  A case study.  Journal of Science Education and Technology, 13(2), 189-206.  Full text available online at UBC Library.