Overview

In the past, student research focused on print materials including books, paper journals, notebooks, folders, and term papers. Over the years, there's been a shift toward inquiry-based projects that focus on both the process and product of investigations. However even with the integration of technology, there's still an emphasis on reading and writing text.

During the past decade, this has changed. Rather than using text-based journal, students are writing about their projects on inquiry blogs. Term papers are done with a word processor and include charts, graphics, and photographs. It's time to go one step further and incorporate media elements as an integral part of the process and product rather than as an afterthought or supplement.

Graphic inquiry involves weaving visual representations throughout the inquiry process.

Rather than keeping track of a research project in a print journal or blog, consider a quick and easy timeline tool. The chronology can be viewed on a timeline. Students can incorporate text, visuals, audio, and video into their reflections. Since the entries are designed to be short, they're less overwhelming than a blank piece of paper or even a blog editor.

Activity: Use a timeline tool to record your thoughts as you work your way through this workshop. Go to Tiki-Toki or use one of the many other choices including Capzles, Dipity, ReadWriteThink, OurStory, TimeGlider, TimeToast, or XTimeline.

Looking for good images? Go to Wikimedia Commons, OpenClipart, or DK. If you use Google Images, be sure to cite your source.

Library History Examples: Library Destruction, Circulating Libraries, Library Instruction, Presidential Libraries, Medical Libraries, Greco Roman Classical Era.

In this workshop, we'll integrate the NETS*S into four areas related to graphic inquiry: visualize, innovate, create, and technology connections. Let's go!