About

wespot logo colour

WeSpot was an initiative designed to promote inquiry-based learning (IBL) by integrating technology into the classroom. The project developed a platform that enabled students and teachers to engage in collaborative inquiry, enhancing the learning experience through a scientific approach. By leveraging tools for capturing data, sharing ideas, and reflecting on findings, WeSpot fostered critical thinking and problem-solving skills across educational settings.

Pilots

WeSpot was implemented in various schools and educational institutions across Europe as part of its pilot programs. These pilots involved both teachers and students in a range of disciplines. Each pilot tested the effectiveness of WeSpot’s inquiry-based learning framework, gathering insights into the integration of digital tools within traditional learning environments. Results indicated increased student engagement and deeper understanding of complex topics.

Teachers

Teachers played a central role in WeSpot’s success. They were trained in the use of inquiry-based learning techniques and the WeSpot platform. The platform provided teachers with resources and templates to guide the inquiry process, enabling them to design lessons that encouraged exploration, experimentation, and reflection. Teachers found that students were more motivated and self-directed when using the inquiry-based approach facilitated by WeSpot.

outcome

Outcome

WeSpot delivered positive outcomes across its implementations. Students demonstrated improved critical thinking and scientific reasoning skills. Teachers reported enhanced classroom interaction and participation. The project also contributed to the growing body of research supporting inquiry-based learning as an effective pedagogical approach in diverse educational contexts. Overall, the WeSpot initiative advanced the use of technology to foster active learning and inquiry in education.

Software

The WeSpot platform featured a suite of tools designed to support inquiry-based learning activities. The software enabled users to collect and analyze data, collaborate on projects, and share findings in an organized digital environment. Key features included tools for hypothesis generation, data visualization, and communication among students and teachers. The software was accessible and adaptable to different educational levels, making it a versatile tool for schools to adopt inquiry-based learning practices.

architecture

Publications


Mikroyannidis, A., Okada, A., Correa, A.L. and Scott, P. (2016) Inquiry-Based Learning on the Cloud, in eds. Lee Chao, Handbook of Research on Cloud-Based STEM Education for Improved Learning Outcomes, pp. 291-310, IGI Global.

Okada, A., Wolff, A. and Mikroyannidis, A. (2015) Fostering young smart citizens through personal learning environments for urban inquiries, Workshop: Smart Learning Ecosystems in Smart Regions and Cities at 10th European Conference on Technology Enhanced Learning (EC-TEL), Toledo, Spain.

Okada, A., Wolff, A., Mikroyannidis, A. and Ashton, S. (2015) Promoting partnerships among Universities, Schools and Research Centres to foster Responsible Research and Innovation for smart citizenship, 15th International Conference on Technology Policy and Innovation (ICTPI), Milton Keynes, UK.

Mikroyannidis, A., Kroop, S. and Wolpers, M. (2015) Personal Learning Environments (PLEs): Visions and Concepts Responsive Open Learning Environments, eds. Sylvana Kroop, Alexander Mikroyannidis, Martin Wolpers, pp. 1-16, Springer.

Okada, A., Serra, A.R.C., Ribeiro, S. and Pinto, S. (2015) Key skills for co-learning and co-inquiry in two open platforms: a massive portal (EDUCARED) and a personal environment (weSPOT), Open Praxis International Journal, 7, 1, International Council for Open and Distance Education

Okada, A. (2014) Scaffolding school students’ scientific argumentation in inquiry-based learning with evidence maps, in eds. Alexandra Okada, Simon Buckingham Shum, Tony Sherborne, Knowledge Cartography: Software tools and mapping techniques, 2nd edition, Springer Verlag.

Okada, A., Buckingham Shum, S. and Sherborne, T. (eds.) (2014) Knowledge Cartography: Software tools and mapping techniques – Advanced Information and Knowledge Processing, 2nd edition, pp. 540, London: Springer-Verlag.

Okada, A. (2014) Competências-chave para coaprendizagem na era digital: fundamentos, métodos e aplicações, 9789898765062, pp. 100, St. Tirso: WhiteBooks.

Mikroyannidis, A. (2014) weSPOT: A personal and social toolkit for inquiry-based learning, 2014 International Conference on Web and Open Access to Learning (ICWOAL), Dubai, UAE, pp. 1-4, IEEE

Calonego, R., Serra, A.R.C. and Okada, A. (2014) A comunicação estratégica empresarial por meio de ambientes virtualizados, 20º. Congresso Internacional ABED de Educacao a Distancia, Curitiba, Brasil.

Correa, A.L., Rabello, C. and Okada, A. (2014) Reliability of web-based information in inquiry projects, EC-TEL 2014 9th European Conference on Technology Enhanced Learning, Graz, Austria, Springer.

Kravcik, M., Mikroyannidis, A., Pammer, V., Prilla, M., Ullmann, T. and Wild, F. (eds.) (2014)  Proceedings of the 4th workshop on awareness and reflection in technology enhanced learning, 9th European Conference on Technology Enhanced Learning: Open Learning and Teaching in Educational Communities (ECTEL 2014), Graz, Austria, 1238, pp. 1-87, CEUR Workshop Proceedings.

Okada, A. and Ferreira, G. (2014) Co-authorship and Colearning through Open Educational Resources at UKOU, ALT-C 2014 Learning technology Conference, Warwick, UK.

Mikroyannidis, A. (2014) The weSPOT Inquiry Space: A Personal and Social Environment for Inquiry-Based Learning, in eds. Christoph Rensing, Sara de Freitas, Tobias Ley, Pedro J. Munoz-Merino,, Open Learning and Teaching in Educational Communities, 8719, pp. 576-577, Springer International Publishing.

Souza, K., Okada, A. and Silva, B. (2014) Competences For Co-Entrepreneurship: contribution to the understanding of the concept for Entrepreneurial education, International Congress on Education, Innovation and Learning Technologies, Barcelona, Spain.

Okada, A., Buckingham Shum, S., Sherborne, T. and Sanchez Nunez, P. (2014)  Knowledge Cartography: Software tools and mapping techniques,, eds. Springer Verlag, 2nd edition.

Okada, A., Pinto, S. and Ribeiro, S. (2014) Scientific Literacy through co-Inquiry based on non-formal and informal learning, PCST2014 – 13th International Public Communication of Science and Technology Conference, Salvador-Brazil.

Sherborne, T. and Okada, A. (2014) Authentic Inquiry: Raise Motivation and Results with Real Science, Workshop: Authentic Inquiry: Raise Motivation and Results with Real Science at The National Science Teachers Association Conference, Boston, USA.

Okada, A., Meister, I., Mikroyannidis, A. and Little, S. (2014) ‘Colearning’ – Collaborative Open Learning through OER and Social Media, in eds. Alexandra Okada, Collaborative Open Learning through OER and Social Media, 2nd edition, ISBN 9788582270295.

Okada, A., Serra, A.R.C., Barros, D., Ribeiro, S. and Pinto, S. (2014) Competencias-clave para coaprender y coinvestigar en la era digital en entornos abiertos y massivos, in eds. Alexandra Okada, Open Educational Resources and Social Networks, 2nd edition, 933162227, S. Luis: EDUEMA.

Okada, A. (2013) Scientific Literacy in the digital age: tools, environments and resources for co-inquiry, European Scientific Journal, 4, ISSN: 1857 – 7881, United Nations.

Okada, A. (2013) Inquiry based learning Tools, Environments and Resources, in eds. Kathy Kikis-Papadakis, Foteini Chaimala, Renia Papanastasiou, Enhancing Innovation and Creativity in Science Teaching, IACM FORTH.

Okada, A., Pinto, S., Ribeiro, S. and Serra, A.R.C. (2013) Desarrollo de competencias esenciales en la Cibercultura con co-aprendizaje basado en co-investigación, Sexto Congreso Internacional de Aprendizaje y Cibersociedad, Madrid, Spain, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED).

Calonego, R., Andrelo, R. and Okada, A. (2013) Professional Development in Communication and Co-Inquiry through weSPOT, Poster at Sixth International Conference on e-Learning and Innovative Pedagogies, Madrid, Spain.

Correa, A.L. and Okada, A. (2013) Co-Inquiry game about Biodiversity in the Garden, International Conference on e-Learning and Innovative Pedagogies, Madrid, Spain, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED).

Mikroyannidis, A., Okada, A., Scott, P., Rusman, E., Specht, M., Stefanov, K., Boytchev, P., Protopsaltis, A., Held, P., Hetzner, S., Kikis-Papadakis, K. and Chaimala, F. (2013) weSPOT: A Personal and Social Approach to Inquiry-Based Learning, Journal of Universal Computer Science Special Issue on Cloud Education Environments, 19, 14, pp. 2093-2111.

Rizzardini, R., Schmitz, H., Mikroyannidis, A., Kloos, C. and Chao, L. (eds.) (2013) Special Issue: Cloud Education Environments, Journal of Universal Computer Science, 19, 14, pp. 2034-2171.

Okada, A., Meister, I. and Barros, D. (2013) Refletindo sobre avaliação na era da co-aprendizagem e co-investigação, 1st International Conference on Assessment and Technologies in Higher Education – CATES 2013, Portugal.

Barros, D. and Okada, A. (2013) Os estilos de coaprendizagem para as novas características da Educação 3.0, VIII International Conference on ICT in education – Challenges 2013, Braga, Portugal.

Mikroyannidis, A., Okada, A. and Scott, P. (2013) Personal Learning Environments for Inquiry-Based Learning, PLE Conference, Berlin, Germany, eds. Ilona Buchem, Graham Attwell, Gemma Tur, pp. 227-237, Beuth University of Applied Sciences.

Mikroyannidis, A. (2013) A Personalised Approach in Informal and Inquiry-Based Learning, 5th International Conference on Computer Supported Education (CSEDU 2013), Aachen, Germany, pp. 183-187, SciTePress.

Specht, M., Bedek, M., Duval, E., Held, P., Okada, A., Stevanov, K., Parodi, E., Kikis-Papadakis, K. and Strahovnik, V. (2012) WESPOT: Inquiry based learning meets learning analytics, 3rd International Conference on e-Learning, Belgrade, Serbia.

Okada, A. and Ferreira, G. (2012) Co-authorship in the age of cyberculture: Open Educational Resources at the Open University of the United Kingdom, Cyberculture, on-line education and professional development JOURNAL.

Mikroyannidis, A., Okada, A., Scott, P., Rusman, E., Specht, M., Stefanov, K., Protopsaltis, A., Held, P. and Hetzner, S. (2012) weSPOT: A Cloud-based Approach for Personal and Social Inquiry, Workshop: 1st International Workshop on Cloud Education Environments, Antigua, Guatemala, 945, pp. 7-11, CEUR Workshop Proceedings.