Inquiry-based learning (IBL) is a type of learning in which students are encouraged to actively engage with the material they are learning and ask questions, as opposed to simply memorizing facts and information.
In recent years, educational technology (Ed Tech) has become increasingly popular as a way to facilitate IBL in K-12 schools. It provides students with access to resources and tools that can help them explore and discover new information on their own.
Let’s discuss how educators can leverage Ed Tech to create an engaging and effective IBL experience for their students.
Online Learning Platforms Engage Minds
Educators should use Ed Tech to provide students with access to online learning platforms that are specifically designed to support IBL. These resources can be tailored to the specific needs of the students and can include simulations, interactive activities, and virtual field trips.
Additionally, Ed Tech can be used to give students access to videos, interactive media, and hands-on projects with industry-leading tools that can spark their curiosity and mental engagement. This helps students gain a deeper understanding of the concepts they are exploring and can also help them develop problem-solving and other critical thinking skills.
Ed Tech Facilitates Question-Asking
Ed Tech is useful for facilitating collaboration, such as through group work. Group work can be an effective way to engage students in inquiry-based learning and encourage question-asking among their peers.
Online forums or discussion boards are excellent examples of Ed Tech that provides students with a platform to ask questions, share ideas, and learn, all in one place. Even blogs can be used to facilitate conversations and engage in meaningful dialogue.
Speaking of dialogue, video conferencing tools, such as Zoom and Skype, can be used to connect students with experts in their field of study. Through these tools, students ask personal questions, participate in discussions, and receive real-time feedback from the other end.
Gamifying Education to Spark Curiosity
Educational games and simulations provide students with a fun and engaging way to explore and learn about different topics without feeling the pressure associated with standard white-page homework questions.
When it doesn’t feel like homework, students easily slip into a more receptive state to better absorb the material. Ed Tech games can also be used to encourage inquiry-based learning by allowing students to explore diverse possibilities, think critically, and turn on their creative brain.
Encouraging Inquiry-Based Learning
While traditional methods of teaching remain important, introducing Ed Tech into the classroom can help educators create an environment that encourages inquiry-based learning. Take advantage of online learning platforms, digital media, screen-sharing platforms, collaborative discussion boards, and gamification.
Introducing technology into your STEM classroom in a way that sparks curiosity and engagement is easy. Start by utilizing industry-leading tools like SOLIDWORKS and 3DEXPERIENCE platforms to keep your students intrigued and ready to design the products of tomorrow.
