AI tools to support Inquiry

In the Inquiry, Action, and Reflection stages, AI tools can support and enhance each step by providing unique functionalities. Here are some tool suggestions for each phase:

1. Inquiry

Question Formulation and Research:

ChatGPT/Bard: For generating ideas, brainstorming questions, or finding introductory information on topics.

Wolfram Alpha: For solving complex questions in mathematics and science, providing computational answers to help students refine their inquiries.

Elicit: An AI-powered research assistant that helps students find academic papers and summarizes key points from research, aiding in in-depth exploration.

Pattern Recognition and Data Analysis:

DataRobot: A machine learning platform that can analyze datasets, helping students find patterns or correlations within large datasets.

Google Dataset Search: To locate public datasets, which can then be analyzed with AI tools to find insights on specific topics like environmental patterns or societal trends.

Orange: A visual, open-source tool for data mining that can help students analyze data through clustering, classification, and visualization techniques.

Refining Inquiry:

Notion AI: A versatile tool where students can keep notes, ask questions, and get AI-suggested content based on what they’ve written.

Research Rabbit: For research exploration and refinement by linking related academic papers and helping students uncover gaps or areas to deepen their inquiry.

2. Action

Project Planning and Goal Setting:

Trello or Asana with AI Integrations: For managing project tasks, deadlines, and resources, especially useful in collaborative environments.

Notion AI for Project Management: Students can use it to generate to-do lists, set reminders, and automate project organization, making task management seamless.

Experimentation and Prototyping:

Tinkercad: For 3D modeling and prototyping, especially in STEM or design projects. Tinkercad uses simple AI tools to guide students in digital fabrication and design processes.

Google Colab with AI Libraries (like TensorFlow): A collaborative coding environment where students can experiment with AI algorithms and run machine learning models.

CoSpaces Edu: An AR/VR platform allowing students to design and simulate environments, providing a virtual “sandbox” for testing hypotheses.

Collaboration and Communication:

Miro: An AI-enhanced whiteboard for collaborative brainstorming, concept mapping, and project visualization, supporting team-based inquiry projects.

Microsoft Teams with AI Tools: AI-powered features such as real-time translation and transcription enhance remote collaboration, especially across language barriers or time zones.

Creating Solutions or Artifacts:

Canva AI Tools: For creating infographics, presentations, and visual artifacts, with design templates and suggestions for polished, creative presentations.

Adobe Firefly: Generative AI for students to create unique images, posters, and visualizations to represent their ideas or results from the inquiry.

Unity with AI Integrations: For coding and designing interactive apps or simulations, ideal for computer science and game design projects.

3. Reflection

Analyzing Outcomes and Process:

Power BI or Tableau with AI Insights: For analyzing project data and visualizing results. Both tools offer AI-enhanced insights, helping students evaluate their findings.

Notion AI for Reflection Logs: A workspace where students can document their learning journey, get AI-generated feedback on their reflections, and set actionable future steps.

Self-Assessment and Feedback:

Edulastic with AI-Driven Analytics: This assessment tool provides data insights, showing students’ strengths and areas for growth across their inquiry projects.

FeedbackFruits: An AI-enhanced peer feedback tool that enables students to share and receive feedback, improving self-assessment and understanding of group dynamics.

Sharing Insights and Learning:

Flip: A video discussion platform where students can reflect, share insights, and learn from peers. AI provides automated transcription, making it easy to review and learn from video reflections.

Seesaw with AI Annotation Tools: Students can document and reflect on their learning journey, using annotation features and AI-assisted content organization.

Setting Future Goals:

Goalbook: An AI-powered goal-setting platform that helps students set realistic goals based on previous reflections and learning outcomes.

Otter.ai for Reflective Transcripts: For audio-based reflection, this tool can transcribe student reflections, allowing them to review and set goals based on their recorded thoughts.

These AI tools offer new ways for students to engage deeply at each stage of the inquiry process. Using the right tools can help students ask better questions, explore data in new ways, take informed action, and reflect meaningfully on their learning—skills essential for modern inquiry.