This collaborative project titled ISIS-21 (named after the Egyptian goddess of magic and giver of life) seeks to teach children and adolescents about the inquiry process and develop their competencies in information literacy.

The entire multi-year $1.2 million project will involve the research and development of web-based bilingual software geared to students, teachers, parents, and school library personnel from late elementary to grade 12. Each module will address the fundamental components of the inquiry process, including, how to articulate an information need, effectively use internet search tools, evaluate sources, and synthesize, integrate and use the information. These skills and competencies are part of every provincial curriculum throughout Canada. For example, in Quebec, all nine cross curricular competencies will be addressed, especially Using information, Exercising critical judgment, Using information and communication technology, and Communicating appropriately.

This past year, a $100,000 grant from Inukshuk Wireless funded a pilot project that resulted in the development of our ISIS-21 prototype. The prototype has been designed according to current research evidence on effective pedagogical strategies for online learning, coupled with input from pedagogical consultants, teachers and librarians. It is designed to be used in student-centred, constructivist classrooms.

The prototype introduces late elementary students (and their teachers) to the fundamental components of information literacy by guiding students through the inquiry process. Topics covered in the prototype include the articulation of a research topic and corresponding sub-topics, the selection of appropriate retrieval tool(s), the construction of search strategies, and the evaluation of the information found.

The ISIS-21 modules are linked to the CSLP-LEARN’s electronic portfolio software called ePEARL, thereby enabling students to conduct their research within an environment that supports self regulated learning.

Ultimately we hope to ensure that all Canadians are adequately prepared for the knowledge society by providing them with a solid foundation in these important lifelong learning skills.

We hope you enjoy using our prototype and we look forward to important feedback from you and your students so that we can continue to improve ISIS-21.