In this research paper I am offering an account of my action enquiry to date. My enquiry has focused on exploring my understanding of how I have developed from a commitment to propositional knowledge, while teaching as a secondary school science teacher, to a commitment to dynamic transformational forms of knowledge, following a move to St Mary’s University College, undertaking the role of senior science lecturer to BA Initial Teacher Education (ITE) students (a three your course for novice teachers which results in qualified teacher status). My research has been to do with how I provide a context and conditions for students to develop their own capacity for independent enquiry with a particular focus on how I can develop this through a virtual learning environment (VLE). My original claim to knowledge is that I have come to understand how a VLE can help students to explore the skills of independent enquiry and how discussion forums play an important part in this. Throughout this paper I use the metaphor of the relationship between the Nile crocodile and the Egyptian Plover to help explain how I believe I am working towards a symbiotic practice.