Development of a Community of Inquiry in Selected Online Graduate Courses

DOI: 10.5176/2251-1814_EeL13.38

Authors: Susan C.Garton and Gwyn Snider

Abstract:
This report documents efforts to develop a Community of Inquiry in Online Graduate courses. The paper provides an overview of the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework and reports the intentional application of the framework to selected graduate courses. The paper presents the design considerations and the planning for courses. The context of the inquiry is described in terms of course delivery, pedagogy, and course evaluations. The Community of Inquiry Survey is presented as a validated instrument to assess the development of a community. Surveys will be completed by enrolled graduate students at the conclusion of summer 2013 courses. Summary survey results will be available for those attending the 3rd Annual International Conference on Education and Learning in August 2013.

Keywords: Community of Inquiry, e-Learning, inquiry