The digital ideakeeper: integrating digital libraries with a scaffolded environment for online inquiry

ABSTRACT

Online inquiry is an important way of engaging learners in information--rich activities using online sources to explore questions in different fields, such as science. Online inquiry involves a set of interrelated activities, such as planning an investigation; seeking, analyzing, and making sense of online information; and synthesizing information into a final argument. However, learners may encounter several obstacles in trying to tackle an open--ended, complex process like online inquiry. Therefore, using a learner--centered design approach, we are developing the Digital Idea Keeper environment to extend digital libraries by integrating different tools and incorporating different scaffolding approaches to help learners effectively engage in online inquiry.

REFERENCES

• 1: Brozo, W. G. and Simpson, M. L. Readers, Teachers, Learners: Expanding Literacy Across the Content Areas. Merrill Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 2002.
• 2: National Research Council National Science Education Standards. National Academy Press, 1996.
• 3: Oliver, K. and Hannafin, M. J. Student management of Web-based hypermedia resources during open-ended problem solving. Journal of Educational Research, 94 (2). 75--92.
• 4: Wallace, R., Kupperman, J., Krajcik, J. and Soloway, E. Science on the Web: Students online in a sixth-grade classroom. Journal of the Learning Sciences, 9 (1). 75--104.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.1 Computer Uses in Education
          Subjects: Computer-assisted instruction (CAI)

General Terms:
Design

Keywords:
digital libraries, online inquiry, scaffolding