Online inquiry, or using the Internet to generate questions and then search for, analyse, and synthesise information about these questions, is an essential part of digital literacy. However, processes involved in online inquiry are substantially complex. Prior research suggests that digital platforms can scaffold online inquiry processes. Moreover, the value of scaffolding dialogue in collaborative activities has been shown to enhance critical thinking, an important part of online inquiry. This study investigates whether the use of digital platforms designed to scaffold online inquiry can support productive dialogue when used collaboratively. Data from four pairs of high school students was collected as they worked together using both the digital platform and multiple online sources outside the platform to complete an online inquiry task. Each pair’s interactions were analysed to investigate whether features of the digital platform prompted productive dialogue. In line with research suggesting the use of academic language influences content understanding, each pair’s use of certain academic terms related to the task and digital platform’s interface were also statistically examined. Results suggested that most productive dialogue occurred when using the digital platform. Additionally, two of the four academic terms investigated occurred more often in talk while interacting with the digital platform, compared to talk when on another website. A comparison of timelines associated with these terms offered examples of how initially they were said exclusively while on the tool, and then progressed towards independent use.

中文翻译：

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使用旨在支持在线查询的数字平台探索学生对话中的模式

在线查询或使用Internet生成问题，然后搜索，分析和综合有关这些问题的信息，是数字素养的重要组成部分。但是，在线查询所涉及的过程非常复杂。先前的研究表明，数字平台可以支持在线查询流程。此外，脚手架对话在协作活动中的价值已被证明可以增强批判性思维，这是在线查询的重要组成部分。这项研究调查了设计用于支持在线查询的数字平台在协作使用时是否可以支持富有成效的对话。当他们使用数字平台和平台外的多个在线资源一起工作时，收集了四对高中生的数据，以完成在线查询任务。分析了每对的互动，以调查数字平台的功能是否促进了富有成效的对话。根据研究表明使用学术语言会影响内容理解的研究，还对每对与任务和数字平台界面相关的某些学术术语的使用进行了统计检验。结果表明，使用数字平台时，大多数富有成效的对话发生了。此外，与在另一个网站上进行交谈相比，所调查的四个学术术语中有两个在与数字平台交互时更经常出现在交谈中。与这些术语相关的时间线的比较提供了一些示例，说明了最初如何在工具上专门说这些术语，然后逐渐独立使用。