The CoI (Community of Inquiry) framework requires three types of presence; social, cognitive and teaching in order to work. Creating a CoI in an online or blended learning environment can seem like a daunting task however, following these nine steps will get you on your way to establishing a flourishing CoI within your class.
Three ways to create Social Presence:
Post weekly video introductions from the instructor at the beginning of each week (Dunlap, J., & Lowenthal, P., 2018, p.85, Bonk, C., & Khoo, E., 2014, p. 50). Create a virtual space where cohorts can interact and get to know one another in an informal way. This virtual space is sometimes referred to as online cafe’s and is a space where learners can be more informal and build connections ( Bonk, C., & Khoo, E., 2014, p. 63). Use synchronous and asynchronous forms of online communication like video conferencing and discussion forums (Vaughan, N., Cleveland-innes, M., & Garrison D., 2013, p. 54).
Three ways to create Cognitive Presence:
Use activities and assignments like case vignettes and scenarios to aid in the understanding of new concepts (Dunlap, J.& Lowenthal, P., 2018, p. 81, Bonk, C. & Khoo, E., p. 161). Allow student to apply new found understanding to real world problems, like problem based learning assignments (Vaughan, N., Cleveland-innes, M., & Garrison, D., 2013, p. 58). Routinely post relevant questions that encourage critical thinking and encourage debate on the topic at hand (Vaughan, N., Cleveland-innes, M., & Garrison, D., 2013, p. 58).
Three ways to create Teaching Presence:
Intentionally design an online learning environment that is collaborative and a safe space to engage, by setting the climate, course material and activities (Garrison, D., 2018, p. 1). Facilitate as opposed to instruct. Vaughn, Clevland-Innes and Garrison (2013) describe facilitation as “the necessary support and guidance provided for learners” which include facilitating discourse (p. 47). Discourse can be facilitated in online discussion forums or video conferences. Remember to allow students to take over the teaching presence when appropriate (Vaughan, N., Cleveland-innes, M., & Garrison D., 2013, p.55). Appropriate use of assessments; assessments come in a variety of forms from student self-assessment to peer-assessment to instructor assessment which includes formative as well as summative assessments. Integrating all of these assessments into your learning environment will aid in the development of metacognition (Vaughn, N., Cleveland-Innes, M., & Garrison D., 2013).
These strategies can be used in an online learning environment or a blended learning environment. Using these nine strategies will assist in the creation of a thriving CoI in which ever learning environment that you are developing.
September 16, 2019 at 7:47 pm
Great infographic, Theresa! Your image is clear and concise and really could be used in any context. I was curious about your quote “students do what is rewarded”. It is evident that under assessments and your image that the reward is a grade. I wonder if this quote could be under your cognitive section as well? Perhaps under PBL and your case-study assignments as both would likely give the students a reward of achievement and solution and the process of discovery. I suppose this overlap proves the interaction of the COI itself. Thank you for sharing. Danielle
September 18, 2019 at 10:37 pm
Hi Theresa,
Really great infographic, I especially appreciate how you directly pinpointed and gave examples of what can be done in nurturing and developing each presence. However, I think adding a few strategies towards how one (facilitator) can go about designing that safe space for learners would be very helpful.
Cheers,
Phyz
September 19, 2019 at 2:45 pm
Hello Theresa,
I like the 9 strategies and ideas suggested within the 3 presences with the Community of Inquiry. The idea around an online cafe under social presence is a great idea to encourage and have individuals connect informally and interact with each other. It’s quite similar I feel to our own MALAT Slack Channel, where we’ve seen evidence of personal sharing’ of things like vacation pictures to even job postings!
I wonder about what you see as the technology or application you would most likely recommend, suggest or gravitate to in your work context and why for this ‘online cafe’ experience?
Thanks.
Dorothy