Inquiry-based Learning
How can inquiry-based learning with technology & web 2.0 increase literacy skills?
Literacy skills are imperative for all people operating in the 21st century. Providing ample support to develop the literacy for students within the classroom has been an issue in education. However, teachers are now able to combat a lack of variety of texts through the usage of resources via the internet. Through technology and web 2.0 tools students have limitless resources available. Students are able to polish researching skills through the usage of search engines, and other research based websites, as well as, improve their writing skills through the creation of digital narratives.
Action-Research conducted during New Literacies & Media course Fall 2009: The initial exploration of raising literacy and research skills was conducted during the New Literacies and Media course instructed by Dr. Hiller Spires. During this course, Russell Smith and I conducted a study with sixty social studies’ students at Centennial Campus Magnet Middle School. Students studied global issues in Central Africa (specifically conflict, disease, and famine) and created a digital narrative using VoiceThread to educate a global audience and persuade their peers to aid others in a land in which they are not natives. Students tailored a compelling question for their area of interest for their research (for example, "how does malaria impact children in Central Africa?"). Students conducted research, analyzed their research, and responded to their compelling questions through writing and through the creation of a digital story. Students aimed to persuade a global audience to assist people battling issues in Central Africa. |
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