Students' perceptions of, and performance in, online learning : an examination of the community inquiry model
Year: 2007
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The Community of Inquiry model (Garrison, Anderson & Archer 2000) argues that learning through online conferencing occurs within an online community through the interaction of cognitive, social, and teaching presences.The model is considered "noteworthy" in the recent development of theory in distance education (Gibson 2003: 156) but empirical studies investigating the influence of the three presences are rare.The main purpose of the study is to examine and evaluate the explanatory power of the Community of Inquiry model and explore the interrelationship of the various presences.The objects of the study were students in the Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) and students' perception in the use of online conferencing in the OUHK was also investigated.Data were collected from an online survey.Questionnaire items were constructed based on modification of the content analysis frameworks by Garrison and Anderson (2003), and the reliability and validity of the scales were verified in a pilot study.Students from 34 courses in the OUHK were invited to participate in the main survey and there were 162 valid respondents.Correlations and ANOVA indicate that the three presences of the model are positively correlated to students' satisfaction and perceived attainment, but not to students' participation in the online conference.The postulation suggested by Garrison et al. (2000) that teaching presence and social presence both support cognitive presence is also supported by a series of multiple regression analyses.The use and students' perception of online conferencing in the OUHK were also reviewed.The general participation rate of the conference was low and students were expecting more active participation from their tutors and fellows.Recommendations for better utilizing the online conference in the OUNK are then proposed.The result of this empirical study of the Community of Inquiry model in Hong Kong confirmed the explanatory power of the model and the interrelation of the three presences.The new instrument developed in this study can also facilitate more sophisticated studies in the future.Table 2.1 Models of Distance Education: A Conceptual Framework (Taylor 2001) Characteristics of Delivery Technologies Models of Distance Education and Flexibility Institutional Associated Delivery Technologies Highly Advanced variable costs refined interactive approaching materials delivery zero Time Place Pace First Generation -The Correspondence Model " Print Yes Yes Yes Yes
Author: Ming-Fai Choi
Language: English
Topic: Online and Blended Learning
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2197738610