Education Commons^™

Facilitating Inquiry-Based Science Learning Online In A Virtual University, Bernard Hoop, Rosalind Kam

Higher Learning Research Communications

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the authors’ interaction-engagement approach in facilitating online courses, which focused on a guided inquiry approach to build understanding of core science concepts using hands-on experimental science investigations. The graduate-level courses were taught during 2005 through 2010, entirely online. The course participants were practicing teachers who were enrolled in the K-8 Science Specialization of a Master of Science in Education degree program. It was presumed that teachers undertook this graduate program to improve their content knowledge, as well as for their professional advancement in their teaching careers and, for some, financial incentives from …