Netsmart

How can we use digital media so that they help us become empowered participants rather than passive consumers? In Net Smart, I show how to use social media intelligently, humanely, and, above all, mindfully. Download the introductory chapter (PDF) here. Mindful use of digital media means thinking about what we are doing, cultivating an ongoing inner inquiry into how we want to spend our time. There is a bigger social issue at work in digital literacy, one that goes beyond personal empowerment.

Feature Article - Inquiry Learning, Summer 2009- Teaching with Primary Sources Why is inquiry important for student learning? Inquiry is a process of active learning that is driven by questioning and critical thinking. The understandings that students develop through inquiry are deeper and longer lasting than any pre-packaged knowledge delivered by teachers to students. Inquiry-based learning follows a process that progresses through phases, but is recursive and reflective throughout. Stripling Model of Inquiry pdf version of Stripling Model of Inquiry (247 KB) Why should primary sources be used for inquiry? By their very nature, primary sources engage students in inquiry. Second, primary sources engage students both emotionally and personally because the sources represent authentic voices and images. Finally, the conflicting nature of primary sources helps students see the complexity of issues and recognize the importance of context for credible interpretation. How can primary sources be used during the phases of inquiry? Top “Inquiry-Based Learning.”