Using Inquiry in Blended Learning
Abstract: This paper focuses on using open inquiry in a blended first-year seminar course. It showcases how inquiry can be used with students in a variety of different contexts to support teaching and learning both online and in the traditional college classroom. The inquiry learning environment is designed to support student investigation as well as align to the intended learning goals of the course. Sample activities are outlined to provide context to the open inquiry process used in this freshman seminar class. Best practices gleaned are also included. By incorporating open inquiry into a college-level course, students demonstrate an increased proclivity towards inquiry by questioning, researching, and ultimately constructing new paradigms for learning and knowledge generation, as well as greater self-efficacy and improved self-confidence.