Quora

Quora is a unique search-engine app designed using a question-and-answer format. With Quora, users are able to pose questions that other users answer, and users are able to answer questions posed by other users. In this way, Quora builds a community of question askers and answerers. Other features in Quora allow users to search for previously asked questions, follow the feed of current questions being asked and answered, answer “open” questions, and send messages to fellow users. Quora also tracks the questions asked and answered by individual users, and it keep stats for how many other users have viewed an individual’s questions and answers.

Instructional Ideas

1. If a student has a question about a specific topic being studied, the student can ask the question using this app and monitor the answers provided by fellow users.
2. With their class, teachers can plug in their iPad to a projector and browse the questions and answers on Quora. Together, the class and teacher can find an appropriate question using the Quora feed, and review the different answers offered in response to the question. The teacher can then lead a conversation about the qualities of a strong and weak answer. To stir conversation, the teacher can ask: (1) Was this a strong or weak answer and why? (2) How could this answer be improved? (3) Do you think the person who answered this question is credible?
3. To help students begin gathering information about a research topic, they can explore this app for information pertaining to their research topic using the app’s search feature. To do so, students will have to identify which key terms are most relevant to their search. Teachers should also explain to students that this search is acting as a springboard, and the information should not be cited in their research project.

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