Page 167 - International Perspectives on Effective Teaching and Learning in Digital Education

Using Inquiry-Based Learning

for Developing University Students’
Digital Skills

Mojca Žefran Silva Bratož
University of Primorska, Slovenia University of Primorska, Slovenia
mojca.zefran@pef.upr.si silva.bratoz@upr.si

In recent years, the development of digital skills has been encouraged at all
levels of education. For this purpose, innovative pedagogies and approaches
aimed at fostering learners’ active participation, critical skills, and autonomy
have been proposed. In this paper, we focus on the benefits of using the in-
quiry-based approach (IBL) for developing education students’ digital skills.
A design-based study was conducted with a group of students (n = 38) in the
primary education study programme with a view to identifying students’ atti-
tudes towards IBL as well as their experiences and challenges encountered in
the process. The design-based scenario followed the 5E inquiry-based instruc-
tional model (engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration, and evalua-
tion). Data for this study was gathered through an online survey, a focus group
discussion, and through an in-depth analysis of the IBL scenario. The results
indicate that students hold positive attitudes towards IBL. The most significant
challenge identified was the application of critical thinking skills to locate and
evaluate relevant research sources.
Keywords: digital skills, inquiry-based learning, pre-service primary school
teachers, critical thinking

© 5 Mojca Žefran and Silva Bratož
https://doi.org/1.6493/978-961-93-467-5.9

Introduction
In the rapidly evolving society of the 1st century, skills such as cooperation,
communication, ICT literacy, and social or cultural competencies are increas-
ingly recognized as essential for success. These competencies, along with cre-
ativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, form the foundation
of what are commonly referred to as ‘1st-century skills.’ (Geisinger, 16). As
the world becomes more interconnected and reliant on technology, the im-
portance of developing digital skills – particularly the ability to navigate and
utilize digital tools effectively – has become critical. Digital literacy is thus no
longer seen as optional but rather a fundamental skill set that supports both
personal and professional development (Chu et al., 17).

Klančar, A., Štemberger, T., Prosen, M., & Ličen, S. (Eds.). (2025). International Perspectives
on Effective Teaching and Learning in Digital Education. University of Primorska Press.