Inquiry-Based Learning Using PebbleGo


Targeted Audience: Elementary School Teachers (K-3rd)
Content Area: Cross-Curricular
Blogshare Links:
https://www.erintegration.com/2019/09/16/online-research-and-reading-using-pebblego-in-the-classroom/
https://www.erintegration.com/2019/10/07/project-based-learning-in-the-elementary-classroom-using-pebblego/


One blog that I really enjoy keeping up with is Erintegration. Erin Flanagan is an educator who shares creative ways to use technology in the classroom. Flanagan has recently featured the two blog posts above focusing on using PebbleGo in the classroom. In the first blog post Flanagan shares many ways PebbleGo can be incorporated and used in the classroom.

Flanagan explains that PebbleGo is a research and reading platform designed for K-3 students that can be used to enhance learning in elementary classrooms. This site provides informational articles, videos, maps, timelines, and activities for students. PebbleGo is broken down into five main categories: Animals, Science, Biographies, Social Studies, and Dinosaurs. Smith (2010) explains, "it is essential for technology to effectively meet students' needs and keep them actively engaged during instruction" (p. 619). PebbleGo is definitely a digital resource that keeps students engaged while also meeting their instructional needs.


Screenshot of PebbleGo animal article for research during Project Based Learning
Flanagan does an excellent job of showing readers how to navigate the site and the resources the site provides students and teachers. She also includes several ideas for using PebbleGo in the classroom. These ideas include:

- Independent reading
- Listening center
- Vocabulary
- Online research
- Introducing science and social studies topics
- Supporting emerging readers
- Small group/guided reading
- Project-Based Learning





I love Flanagan's second post on using PebbleGo with Project Based Learning (PBL) in the classroom. She explains that PBL "is a research based, student-centered instructional approach where students are given the tools to research, explore and learn about real-world topics and problems" (Flanagan, 2019). PBL allows students to develop research skills, collaborate with one another, learn through inquiry, practice writing and speaking skills, and develop a deeper understanding. Johnston (2012) states, "technology integration is the seamless infusion of technology as resource to enhance the learning in the content areas" (p. 2). PebbleGo combined with Project Based Learning is a great way to integrate technology into the K-3 classroom in order to enhance student learning. PebbleGo even provides printables that help students organize and write about their research.


screenshot of online research on PebbleGo



PebbleGo is a great research tool for students to use in the classroom. Students are able to search for information on a topic of their choice and they even learn how to cite the information they find!





I strongly encourage all elementary K-3 teachers to read the shared blog posts, checkout PebbleGo, and incorporate PebbleGo into your grade level content standards. Incorporating PebbleGo with Inquiry and Project Based Learning keeps young children engaged, excited, and most importantly learning the grade level content. It is never too early for students to begin learning research and technology skills!

Check out PebbleGo for yourself and watch this demo video:


References:

Flanagan, E. (2019, September 16). Online research and reading using PebbleGo in the classroom. https://www.erintegration.com/2019/09/16/online-research-and-reading-using-pebblego-in-the-classroom/

Flanagan, E. (2019, October 7). Project based learning in the elementary classroom using PebbleGo. https://www.erintegration.com/2019/10/07/project-based-learning-in-the-elementary-classroom-using-pebblego/

Johnston, M. (2012). School librarians as technology integration leaders: Enablers and barriers to leadership enactment. School Library Research, 15, 1-33. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ978840.pdf

Smith, D. (2010). Making the case for the leadership role of school librarians in technology integration. Library Hi Tech, 28(4), 617-631. Retrieved from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/07378831011096277

Comments

  1. Megan MinchenerFebruary 9, 2020 at 8:47 PM

    I always loved using PebbleGo when I was an Elementary School teacher. This blog seemed very informational in sharing the benefits and ways to use PebbleGo. I know that many teachers didn't use the database as much as I did. From reading the article, I learned more about different ways to use the database for research skills. Definitely will be sharing this with elementary school educators.

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