Fostering Creativity and Innovation Through Inquiry and Adventure in Online Learning Environment Design

• In Event: 68.016 - Designing and Assessing Learning in Digital Environments

Abstract

Self-directed, inquiry-based learning opportunities focused on transdisciplinary real-world problem solving have been shown to foster creativity in learners. This study examines an adventure-based online learning environment and the role the learning environment design and teacher pedagogy and practice played in influencing creativity in the classroom. Data were gathered via interviews, direct observation, and focus groups as 95 high school students guided by 1 teacher worked in small groups to collaboratively design and present geography research using the WeExplore adventure learning environment. Findings indicate that teacher and student creativity were impacted by the unique learning environment design, the opportunity to define self-identified driving questions, the process of collaborative group work, and the opportunity to combine traditional research approaches with arts-influenced ones.

Authors

• Aaron Doering, University of Minnesota

• Jeni Henrickson, University of Minnesota