Inquiry based learning and technology, negative or positive?

Abstract

In this research paper, the conflicts with the implementation of inquiry based learning and digital technology into an elementary school setting are explored. They are investigated under the grounds of an inquiry-based research study conducted mainly through online surveys. This survey was important because there were two deployed: one to current teachers and one to future teachers. The aim was to discover what conflicts teachers were having with inquiry based learning and whether or not technology was a negative or a positive attribute with the implementation of inquiry based learning (IBL). Also, I wanted to discover what future educators think about their future teaching roles and whether or not they will use digital technologies to help with IBL in the classroom. The participants were Mount Royal University Education students as well as K-9 teachers and staff throughout several schools in Calgary, Alberta. Analysis from the surveys and written responses will document the practicing teacher and future teacher perspectives on inquiry based learning through digital technologies.