I-Search Research

Our group had to choose a type of assignment that includes web-based component. We discussed whether to choose a webquest, project-based or an I-Search. We decided to go with an I-Search since we felt webquest were too directed and project-based were time consuming in the classroom. The I-Search incorporates some direction but most of the learning is the responsibility of the learner.
I-Search is a type of research activity that involves students choosing a topic of interest and using different information gathering techniques to acquire meaningful data. The key to this type of assignment is for the students to have a keen interest in their topic. This interest serves as motivation to discover and construct new ideas and knowledge.

The I-Search format answers these main questions:

What do I know?

What do I want to know?

How do I collect and analyze information?

What have I learned?

Much more on I-Search here.

Originally this type of assignment was designed to have a paper written as the form of presentation. With today's technology , student can present their findings via podcasts, videos, PowerPoint's, blogs and the like. This freedom caters to individual learning styles.

Will we begin to see more I-Search type projects? With the integration and implementation of technology, we obviously will. However, teachers need training to merge into a new style of teaching, the students, for the most part, are already trained.