Learn how to use the latest free resources from KQED Education to boost collaborative inquiry and media literacy in the classroom. Join us at the California Charter Schools Leadership Update Conference on December 10-11, 2018 at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis. This conference is where over a thousand charter school directors, CFOs, COOs, board members, lead teachers, developers and service providers gather to receive and discuss timely updates regarding critical issues relating to charter school policies.

Visit KQED at table #40 and attend our session “Collaborative Inquiry in Connected Classrooms” to learn about our free resources for inquiry learning. Find out more below!

KQED Learn is our free online space for student inquiry. On this site, middle and high school students begin their inquiry process with our award-winning video series Above the Noise. Then, they discuss current issues and research topics that matter to them by creating media pieces to showcase their learning. KQED Learn offers an engaging alternative to the traditional research assignment, allowing students to practice both academic and media literacy skills.

KQED Teach is our hands-on professional learning platform where teachers can take free, online courses on media literacy and production. Teachers learn by doing, practicing media-making skills alongside other educators, and come away knowing how to apply their new skills to the classroom with lesson plans and other supports. Teachers can learn how to podcast, make infographics, develop a classroom blog and more!

Breakout Session: Collaborative Inquiry in Connected Classrooms                Date: Tuesday, December 11
Time: 3:20-4:35pm
Location: Salon 15, San Francisco Marriott Marquis

Learning grows from asking questions and defining problems. Whether we call it the research and writing process, the scientific process, or the engineering design process, all disciplines share a cycle of inquiry and investigation that culminates in students sharing what they have learned. Now, using tools that connect classrooms across communities and regions, students can collaborate, interact, and respond to each other’s work in a way that’s relevant and inspiring.

Going beyond the traditional research paper, science investigation, or literary essay may seem like a lot to ask, given the demands on classroom time. But by creating space for students to ask their own questions, investigate the answers, and go a step further to create shareable multimedia responses, students build both the necessary academic and media literacy skills needed to succeed.

In this breakout, attendees will analyze the power of student-driven inquiry and take a closer look at inquiry projects in science, English, and social studies classes. Attendees will examine ways to use multimedia tools to make inquiry projects more engaging. Finally, attendees will explore interdisciplinary online tools and resources designed for inquiry-focused classrooms, where students can share their questions and investigations with peers throughout the country in authentic and meaningful ways. Attendees will also explore opportunities to engage in free online and self-paced professional learning to support multimedia in inquiry learning.