46.086-4 - Investigating WeInvestigate: The Close Study of Cyberlearning in a Sixth-Grade Science Class

• In Event: 46.086 - Roundtable Session 16

Session Type: Roundtable Session

Abstract

In this round table, we describe the design and study, by an interdisciplinary team in partnership with a middle school science teacher, of WeInvestigate. This mobile digital device has a number of applications (supporting: drawing, e-reading, text editing, and the viewing of video and simulations) that students used collaboratively to study matter and molecules. We share the findings of three studies focused on: the collaborative use of WeInvestigate, the literacy and language learning opportunities and challenges associated with WeInvestigate, and the role of prior knowledge in sense-making with the simulation included in WeInvestigate. Three scholars will critique the mobile device and studies, and engender conversation among participants in the session for the purpose of advancing scholarship on cyberlearning.

Sub Unit

• Division C - Learning and Instruction / Division C - Section 3b: Technology-Based Environments

Chair

• Elliot Soloway, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Papers

• Investigating How Sixth Graders Employ WeInvestigate, Designed to Support Synchronous, Collaborative Use of Multiple Tools to Promote Knowledge Building in Science - Carrie-Anne Sherwood, University of Michigan

• Investigating Science Language Use in Sixth Graders' Development and Communication of Conceptual Knowledge About Matter and Molecules in WeInvestigate - Miranda Fitzgerald, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

• The Influence of Prior Knowledge in Sense-Making With the Simulation Used in WeInvestigate - Meredith Baker, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor