Design of Web-Based Investigative Learning

Abstract

On the Web, learners are allowed to investigate any question in open-ended and unstructured space where they can navigate numerous Web resources to learn in a self-directed way. Knowledge about the question learned as the outcome of such Web-based investigative learning is not unique nor pre-defined. It would be dependent on their own investigation. How to systematically promote learning from such question without unique/pre-defined promising outcome is one of challenging issues in research on learning and educational technology. This paper introduces a novel approach to this, in which we have designed a model of Web-based investigative learning and a cognitive tool for learners to learn as modelled. Such model and tool make it possible to follow self-directed investigative learning process, which could also provide adaptive awareness of learning outcome created by learners and learning skill development.