It is hard as a teacher to "let go" of students. Teachers should scaffold their lessons when teaching new concepts, and then provide time for students to become "autonomous learners". It is hard for teachers to take a step back and allow students to make mistakes. Part of this problem lies in the way teachers are taught to teach. We are introduced to Bloom's Taxonomy, and we know that the upper levels are analysis, synthesis and evaluation. However, even knowing this, we still want to guide our students in the learning process. I also believe that teachers are so worried about standardized tests that they feel they must continuously lead their students in the learning process. Finally, it is hard for teachers not to be the center of the classroom and the one who holds the knowledge. When we teach students how to think for themselves and become inquiry based learners, teachers feel that they are not needed as much anymore. This, however, is incorrect. Not all students are going to be ready for inquiry-based learning at the same time. In an inquiry based learning classroom, the teacher becomes the facilitator and the classroom becomes very differentiated. The teacher has to know where each student is in the process of gaining new knowledge and applying that knowledge.
I believe that instructional technology can be a wonderful tool used in the process of inquiry-learning. However, it does not have to be the only tool used. Using instructional technology allows the student to learn in a way that allows them to become digitally literate in this world. Great teaching can be accomplished using technology as a tool to get students excited about inquiry-based learning.
I believe that instructional technology can be a wonderful tool used in the process of inquiry-learning. However, it does not have to be the only tool used. Using instructional technology allows the student to learn in a way that allows them to become digitally literate in this world. Great teaching can be accomplished using technology as a tool to get students excited about inquiry-based learning.