Invitation to a guest lecture of Prof. de Jong (University of Twente) on Thursday, May 10, 2012.
Title: Technology enhanced inquiry learning: Creating resources for (science) learning
08.05.2012
Day: Thursday, May 10, 2012
Time: 18:00 – 20:00
Abstract: The idea of inquiry as a learning approach for science is currently regaining extensive attention. Inquiry learning is a more open, learner directed, form of learning in which content is not directly offered but has to be ‘discovered’ or “created’ by a learner. This type of learning fits into modern ideas of effective and motivating instruction. Also upcoming technologies, such as simulations, games, and modelling environments, have stimulated the emergence of inquiry learning. These technologies also enable the adoption of this type of learning in international, collaborative, and open settings. This may result in communities who share resources and learn by working towards a common conclusion or product.
In this presentation will be highlighted the results of a few international technology-based projects on inquiry learning. These projects share their focus on designing scaffolds for, individual and collaborative, inquiry. Students have characteristic difficulties in the inquiry process and cognitive scaffolds may to help prevent or overcome these problems. These cognitive scaffolds can be offered through technology, for example, in simulation-based learning environments or they can be offered by teachers. Examples from the projects SCY, ZAP, Co-Lab, KM Quest, and SimQuest will elucidate the working of different scaffolds.
All these projects have delivered free available (web-based) software. In the presentation will be drawn some lines between these projects and will be discussed aspects of the use of educational software under different practical circumstances.