Creating a community of inquiry in online environments: An exploratory study on the effect of a protocol on interactions within asynchronous discussions

    Authors

    J. M. Zydney; A. Denoyelles;K. K. J. Seo

    Comments

    Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Comput. Educ.

    Keywords

    Adult learning; Distance education; Teaching/learning strategies; Post-secondary education; INSTRUCTOR; QUALITY; FORUMS; Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications; Education &; Educational Research

    Abstract

    The purpose of our research was to examine the influence of an online protocol on asynchronous discussions. A mixed-methods study compared two online graduate classes: one that used a protocol and one that did not use a protocol for the same discussion about a complex reading. Analysis of the data revealed that the online protocol more evenly distributed the presence of cognitive, social, and teaching elements necessary to create and sustain an online community of inquiry. Use of the protocol also promoted more shared group cognition and more student ownership of the discussion and empowered students to facilitate themselves, helping to reduce the instructor workload. These findings may enable educators to provide more dynamic interaction and richer learning experiences in asynchronous online environments. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

    Journal Title

    Computers & Education

    Volume

    58

    Issue/Number

    1

    Publication Date

    1-1-2012

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    77

    Last Page

    87

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000298524300009

    ISSN

    0360-1315

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