Online collaborative inquiry is the “collaboration and co-construction of a body of information by a group of local or global learners,” (ORMS Chapter, O’byrne & McVerry).
Although online collaborative inquiry may seem relatively straight forward, I think that there are many skills and strategies that the teacher would have to cover before jumping into this type of lesson. First, as a 6th grade teacher, many students do not know how to ask appropriate questions. I find that many students will ask “yes or no” questions or something very factual. So as an educator, I would need to first set my expectations of what constitutes an appropriate question. They would also need to learn how to actually research that question using online search engines and sourcing.
The other major skill that would need to be pre-taught is how to work in groups. When I assign group work in my classroom I often find that the students will assign each other parts of the project, and then they will complete them by themselves. If something is missing, I am apt to get the excuse “well, that wasn’t MY part.” I want to create an environment where everyone is accountable for each part of the project so that they will discuss and really work together.
Great points to start at the beginning! Even model what an appropriate question is! I wonder if that is over looked as intuitive or as part of being a digital native? This summer I am working with Teach for America prospects. They are all high functioning, highly successful graduates of rigorous universities. When they teach 7th graders they often make assumptions about what students know. I was explaining to them about the SBAC in class discussion that ensure all students operate from the same base of knowledge. It is positive to see a standardized test recognize the importance of starting at the beginning and it is a good model for us to follow.
ReplyDeleteNice to think that there's an opportunity for all ages here to participate in online collaborative work with blogs. Artz even mentions first graders getting involved! If you get them started with the proper foundation, Meredith, imagine where they might be in a few years!
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