Designing Science Instruction using the Web-based Inquiry Science Environment (WISE)

The WISE software, curriculum, and teaching approaches are based on more than twenty-five years of research on learning with technology. Early research investigated the use of simulations and probeware to help students understand science topics more deeply (e.g., Songer & Linn, 1991; Linn, 1995). This work produced the first version of the Knowledge Integration Framework. The framework emerged from longitudinal study of students learning thermodynamics. It describes the complex repertoire of ideas students bring to science class and stresses the importance of building on student ideas and using personally relevant contexts to make science accessible. The framework emphasizes the benefits of using powerful technologies to make thinking visible and the importance of encouraging students to learn from each other. The framework called for using technology to encourage carefully designed reflections that could foster a lifelong habit of autonomous learning (see Linn & Hsi, 2000).

With the arrival of the World Wide Web, we developed new technology environments such as KIE – the Knowledge Integration Environment that offered powerful inquiry projects and made use of the wealth of resources from the Web (Bell, Davis & Linn, 1995). This research explored ways to take advantage of online learning. One group investigated effective designs for reflection prompts (Davis & Linn, 2000). Another group explored the use of technology scaffolds for argumentation (Bell, 2004). Some researchers studied the role of social information in helping students develop scientific arguments (Hoadley & Linn, 2000). Others explored effective designs for online discussions (Hsi & Hoadley, 1997). Another group explored the role of advance organizers and cognitive hints to support effective use of Web resources (Slotta and Linn, 2000). A group led by former teachers researched effective teaching practices for inquiry with technology as well as effective professional development approaches (Slotta, 2004; Williams, Linn, Ammon & Gearhart, 2004).

This research informed the design of WISE, including the overall technology environment, the specific learning tools (e.g., drawing tools, concept maps, online discussion forums, etc), and the design of all curriculum and assessments.