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)