The document summarizes an inquiry project comparing different methods of communication for science learning activities - face-to-face, synchronous chat, and asynchronous blog. It describes two activities conducted with partners using each method: an egg drop experiment face-to-face, a catapult building activity over synchronous chat, and a pencil tower activity through asynchronous means. Observations are provided on the challenges and benefits of each, noting it is easier to collaborate face-to-face but internet methods allow for more extended learning and may be better for students with social anxiety. Overall, the document evaluates whether internet communication is useful for science learning.

1. Inquiry Project
#3
Michelle Koczan
CEP 806
November 2011

2. The purpose of this project was to…
• Experiment with different forms of
communication to work with a partner to
carry out science activities.
• Determine whether internet communication is
a useful tool in science learning.
• Are students able to effectively interact
through the internet to complete a science
activity.

3. The types of interactions used in
this inquiry…
• Face to face
• Synchronous Chat

4. For this inquiry…
I participated in two different science activities
which were held in three different contexts.
• Face to face: Egg Drop Experiment
• Synchronous Chat: Catapult
• Asynchronous Conversation/Blog: Pencil
Tower

5. Face to Face Interaction
The Egg Drop Challenge was held in a face to
face situation with my husband, Chris.
I predicted at the beginning that this would be
the best interaction since we were able to
help each other and work together at the
same time
This activity required close to three hours.

7. Challenges with face to face
• Arranging a time that was suitable for both
people.
• Time constraint
• Compatible personalities
• Finding a place free of distraction

8. Observations
• We were able to bounce ideas off of each
other easily.
• One person was a bit more dominant than the
other.
• Smooth transition from one idea to the next.
• Once the activity was done it was done.
Limited ability to extend on the lesson.

9. Synchronous Chat
The catapult activity was conducted through
Synchronous Chat with my sister who lives in
Austin.
I predicted that this would be fairly similar to a
face to face interaction since we were able to
view what the other person was doing.
This activity required two hours.

10. I didn’t have Skype so I had to
download it. (I really enjoyed using this program and
plan to use it in the future)

12. Challenges with Synchronous Chat
• Arranging a time that was suitable for both
people.
• Network connection issues
• Software/computer issues
• Staying in sync with the other person
• Time constraint

13. Observations
• It was difficult to stay on the same pace as the
person on the other end.
• One person was having difficulty and it was
difficult to assist over the chat program.
• We were able to see what the other person
was doing along the way.
• Audio was sometimes difficult to understand.
• Much more time consuming.

14. Final thoughts…
• There are pros and cons of each scenario.
• The type of learning that students prefer will
depend on their learning type.
• Students who have social anxiety may prefer
to work with a student in a synchronous chat
scenario over face to face.
• Students who have more dominant
personalities may take over face to face
interactions.

15. Final thoughts…
• It is much easier to show your partner how to
do something in person than it is over chat.
• Internet based learning is easier to promote
extended learning experiences by providing
link to other websites, forums, etc.
• Internet based learning takes more
preparation and tends to be more time
consuming.

16. Thank you