For my first search into "inquiry learning", I noticed that the search yielded over 79,000 results through Google.  Whilst some were perhaps of a questionable nature, I did come across some great resources explaining inquiry learning, and blogs from teachers about how inquiry learning works in the classroom.  I also stumbled upon the Youtube clip below by Mark Chalenor.  I think he has summed up the purpose of inquiry learning in the 21st century quite well, and how inquiry-based learning methods can help our students to become strong and valuable members within our community both locally and globally.  
Chalenor, M. (2011)  Teaching Inquiry Learning (Youtube clip)