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Inquiry-Based Learning

Through Technology

A Critique of:Cantrell P., & Knudson M., S., (2006). Using

Technology to Enhance Science Inquiry in an Outdoor

Classroom. Computers in the Schools 23, 7-18.

Todd Beasley

May 22, 2013EDET 780

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Background

NERDS - Nevada Educators Really

Doing Science

Learn science inquiry by doing scienceinquiry

Six day sessions

Science teaching efficacy increased

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Expansion of the Project

2002 technology increased w/ GPS, etc

Caveats added - technology is a tool

Goal to leave participants that tech

would improve science inquiry

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Study Question

How much time spent learning versus

doing?

What was the frustration levelconnected to learning curve?

How useful was the technology in

supporting science inquiry

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Theoretical Framework

Single site case study

Process of inquiry is critical to scientific

literacy

Inquiry is understood as the way

knowledge is produced

Science inquiry is an effective avenue

for learning science content and

acquiring technology skills

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Participants

17 teachers - 14 elementary, 3 HS

11 females, 6 males, 1-18 yrs

experience

Groups consisted of 4-5 individuals

Train the trainer model

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Data Collection

Technology survey

Post Field Experience survey

Examination of pocket PC files from the

field

Journal entry examinations

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Results/Findings

Not adequate training for the technology

in the field

Felt pressured to go beyond theircomfort zone - perception that tech

interfered with doing science

Pocket PCs passed around lettingexperienced indv take over

Less experienced teachers more

excited, value of technology seen

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Implications

Improved tech component for NERDS -

more grad credits, more training time

Laptop added as one of thecomponents

Tech staff on hand

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Critique

Demographics?

How does one participate - does this

limit those without the means?

No tables/graphs

No sample survey/questionnaire

Data analysis methods unknown

Terms not defined

Coding of open-ended questions

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Critique Continued

Weak implication as authors did not go

beyond recommendations/improvement

of their program How does this transpire to the education

field

Recommendations for pre-service andin-service

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Conclusion

Weak example of single site case study

Authors need to provide more details

Cannot be used beyond geographic

regions at the moment

Could be used to address the digital

divide and how to increase minority

exposure to STEM