EDCI 323

Course Reflection

EDCI 323, or Amplifying Inquiry & Project Based Learning with Technology, was a class structured around how students can learn effectively through inquiry-centered processes. Professor Lucie deLaBruere led the class through an intentional exploration of different technology tools within frameworks that were purposely applicable to our professional work. The class dove into materials on Project-Based learning, Inquiry-Based learning, and the general inquiry process. The chosen texts- Guided Inquiry Design by Carol C. Kuhlthau, Leslie K. Maniotes, and Ann K. Caspari, and Setting the Standard for Project Based Learning: A Proven Approach to Rigorous Classroom Instruction by the Buck Institute for Education- allowed our discussions and learning to be structured around historical context, best practices and nationwide data. In order to gain a better understanding of how academic research and the inquiry process overlap, Lucie taught us how to use multiple tools built for collaboration. The class utilized Diigo, a software to consolidate and tag online resources in a personal library, to organize our learning throughout the semester. The class utilized discussion posts, reflection journals and a G+ community to participate in the inquiry process both as individuals and as a class unit.

For my cumulative project, I focused my interest in makerspaces to find out what educators in Vermont are needing to access high-tech resources, incorporate PBL learning in their schools, and what drives the Maker or STEAM spaces in their communities. I found the process of identifying, gathering and creating to be extremely valuable, and also helped me visualize what the inquiry process could look like with students in a classroom. I gathered data from 30 educators involved in Maker Education across the state with a survey, and was able to compile and condense data into suggestions for future funding or educator support. Professor Lucie deLaBruere shared a previous project of her with me, which helped shape my final project into a prototype of Makerspace locations across the state.