Title

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

Authors

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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