Supporting Cross-Classroom Interaction for Knowledge-Building With Idea Thread Mapper

• In Event: 64.029 - Collaborative and Interactive Processes With Learning Technologies

Abstract

This paper presents findings from the second iteration of a design-based research study aimed to support cross-classroom interaction in four grade 5 knowledge building communities. The four classrooms studied human body systems with the support of the Idea Thread Mapper platform. As the students conducted focused inquiry and discourse within their own community, they reviewed productive threads of ideas and posted “journey of thinking” reflections in a cross-community space,. This iteration incorporated a new interaction for the four classrooms to participate in a live “Super Talk” to collaboratively address challenging research questions. Qualitative analyses of classroom videos, online discourse, and researchers’ field notes provide a rich description of how the students interacted within and across communities to develop scientific understandings.

Authors

• Guangji Yuan, SUNY - ALBANY

• Jianwei Zhang, University at Albany - SUNY

• Mei-Hwa Chen, University at Albany - SUNY

• Patricia Gagnon

• Stacy Kirk