eWISE at a Glance:

WCPSS Instructional Technology & Library Media Services has adopted eWISE as a learning process model for inquiry and research.

eWISE is an inquiry model that allows students to take ownership of the process and create meaningful products It "is characterized by student-centered exploration, engagement, social interaction, communication, and performance based assessment." The guide provides indicators for the student (What should the student do?), teacher tools (What should the teacher do?), and assessment tools (What resources support this section of the eWISE model?) for each part of the research process.

Wonder - Question it!

"Student-driven learning experiences should be driven by standards-based Essential Questions. These questions should be open-ended to allow for flexible learning paths." - stated by Susan Oxnevad of Cool Tools for 21st Century Learners

• Query an essential question such as How do animal physical and behavioral adaptations allow them to survive in certain environments?
• Brainstorm and collaboratively write a question list using a class Google doc or a wonder wall using Padlet.
• Sort questions into categories such as appearance, diet, survival, 'jaw dropping' facts, etc.
• Evaluate and identify the team’s guiding questions. Of the list, exactly which questions do the students want to research and try to answer?

Investigate - Find It!

Using curated resources, the students investigate and search for answers to their guiding questions.

• Use online databases for research such as NC WiseOwl, Kid Rex, Discovery Education.

Synthesize - Combine It!

Students need to pull all their notes and resources together to begin drafting a product which showcases their research. How can they show they have answered their guiding questions? (All of this can be accomplished using Google slides as showcased in the video above.)

• If in teams, collaboratively summarize collected information.
• Use a storyboard for drafting, designing and creating presentation.
• Give credit for information using tools such as KidBib, EasyBib (great for online resources).
• Evaluate and reflect on what has been learned.

Presentation

• Use presentation tools such as Google Slides, Educreations, or Paper Slides.