Web-Based Inquiry: A Potential Solution For Resource-Poor High School Biology Classrooms?

The research question addressed in this project was, what are design principles that support the development of web-based, guided inquiry lessons for resource-poor secondary biology classrooms? This project examined the need for, the evidence behind, and the supplies to create web-based, inquiry lessons utilizing free and online biology resources. The author explains both the website creation as well as the curriculum development. It highlights that while technology integration is widespread within all classrooms, the financial disparities in funding of schools in low-income areas lead to lack of supplies and disparities in curriculum support. Both of these things can lead to teacher stress and burnout. In the creation of this curriculum she describes the challenges in creating this type of resource, including the time investment necessary for lesson development and the limitations that come with using premade online content. She also celebrates the successes of being able to complete a web-based, inquiry resource, potentially limiting the stress and excess financial burden that often plague teachers in low-income environments, without taking inquiry based learning opportunities away from students