nQuire An innovative approach to inquiry learning Mike Sharples Institute of Educational Technology The Open University www.mikesharples.org Centre for Innovation in Higher Education Anglia Ruskin University @sharplm

Behind every educational technology …

Self-directed learning Simulation Feedback Design thinking Adaptive … is a pedagogy Self-directed learning Simulation Feedback Design thinking Adaptive teaching Active learning

Pedagogy “Theory and practice of teaching learning and assessment”

Pedagogies Pedagogy Learners… Technology-based example Assessing give or receive constructive feedback engaging in online peer review Browsing seek and collate information using search engines to find educational materials Case-based investigate individual cases investigating medical cases online Collaborative construct shared understanding creating a shared Google doc Construction create artefacts engaging with big construction set, e.g. Minecraft Conversation converse with others engaging in online discussion Cross-context learn across different settings learning between classroom and home with tablet Delivered comprehend information watching an online video Embodied use their bodies to learn motor skills monitoring exercise with Fitbit activity tracker Game-based engage with game environments multiplayer educational game, e.g. Endless Ocean Inquiry investigate authentic situations setting questions and using digital probes to collect data Networked interact with networks of peers educational social networking Performative present for an audience creating a video blogs of learning activities Problem-solving try to solve problems working in online teams to solve problems Reflective reflect on information and activities reviewing e-portfolio of learning activities Simulation interact with a simulated tool learning science in a virtual world Adapted from Appendix 1 of Sharples, M., Crook, C., Jones, I., Kay, D., Chowcat, I., Balmer, K. & Stokes, E. (2009). New modes of technology-enhanced learning: Opportunities and challenges. Becta. http://dera.ioe.ac.uk/1532/1/becta_2009_ht_cur_ped_new_modes_opps_challenges_report.pdf

Pedagogy-informed design

INCLUDING LEARNING PROCESSES Pedagogy-informed design Assessing Browsing Case-based Collaborative Construction Conversation Cross-context Delivered Embodied Game-based Inquiry-driven Networked Performative Problem-solving Reflective Simulation PEDAGOGIES INCLUDING LEARNING PROCESSES AND OUTCOMES

INCLUDING LEARNING PROCESSES Pedagogy-informed design Inquiry-driven PEDAGOGIES INCLUDING LEARNING PROCESSES AND OUTCOMES

Inquiry learning Active learning that starts by asking big questions “Inquiry learning enables students to pose thoughtful questions, make sense of information, and develop new understandings about a topic and the world around them. Through inquiry learning, students are able to develop the skills and attitudes needed to be self-directed, lifelong learners.” Understanding inquiry learning. National library of New Zealand https://natlib.govt.nz/schools/school-libraries/library-services-for-teaching-and-learning/supporting-inquiry-learning/understanding-inquiry-learning

How can we design effective inquiry learning with technology?

Previous work nQuire1: personally- meaningful inquiry within and outside the classroom nQuire2: self-managed investigations nQuire-it: sustaining communities of inquiry nQuire3: inquiry at scale

+ collaborative inquiry learning + crowdsourcing Citizen inquiry Collaborative inquiry-led investigations into wellbeing and environment citizen science + collaborative inquiry learning + crowdsourcing

Learning through citizen inquiry How to be a citizen scientist Citizen science is “becoming the favoured twenty-first century model for conducting large-scale scientific research” (Toerpe, 2013) How to create and sustain a community of inquiry “questioning, reasoning, connecting, deliberating, challenging, and developing problem-solving techniques” (Lipman, 2003) “The environment in which human beings live, act and inquire, is not simply physical. It is cultural as well. Problems which induce inquiry grow out of the relations of fellow beings to one another.” John Dewey, The Logic of Inquiry, 1938.

nQuire Citizen inquiry at scale Collaboration with BBC www.nquire.org.uk Collaboration with BBC Extends citizen inquiry to include mass multimedia surveys Confidential ‘survey’ missions, and open ‘social’ missions ‘Explore myself and my world’

www.nquire.org.uk BBC/British Trust for Ornithology national survey of UK gardens. Over 126,000 completions. 65% on mobile devices. BBC/UCL investigation into creativity and wellbeing, with personalised feedback. 43,000 completions. 70% completion rate. Open ‘social’ investigation to learn about clouds and weather Students on OU FutureLearn course run investigations into online and offline learning Create a new mission

Multiply open Open-source code Open for anyone to participate in any mission Open for access on mobile devices Open for any person or organisation to create a new mission (subject to piloting and approval process) Open for discussion of visible data (for ‘social’ missions)

Open for authoring Draft Pilot Approve Launch

Learning on nQuire by asking good questions

Learning on nQuire by creating good science together

Learning on nQuire by analysing and sharing results

Inquiry is central to learning Once students learn how to ask good questions and find valid answers, they can become active learners in any subject