RSA 3

 

RSA3: Online and Blended Communities of Inquiry: Exploring the EDevelopmental and Perceptional Differences

According to our readings, technology used to support the purpose and goals of a professional learning community may include Course Management Systems (CMS). CMS support a variety of learners and is internet-supported. Blackboard and Desire-to-Learn are examples of CMS designed for teaching and learning to occur.

According to Akyol, Garrison, & Ozden (2009), a mixed method approach to a study of the development of a professional learning community include both online and a blended learning environment. Within either learning environment, a Community of Inquiry framework was used and it assumed that learning occurs within the community in social presence, cognitive presence, and teaching presence. In this study, data were gathered from a graduate course delivered online and in a blended format. The results indicated that in both the online and blended course a community of inquiry developed. The common goal is to create an effective learning community that enhances and supports a deep approach to learning. Limitations were noted in that fact that only one graduate course was included involving a limited sample size, therefore; caution should be taken in generalizing the findings.

Both the textbook and journal article indicate that online communities should follow a set framework or set of guidelines in order to be successful. In agreement with Akyol, Garrison, & Ozden (2009), blended courses have distinct advantages over online courses. Blended courses reduce the time needed to develop group cohesion and satisfy students by providing multiple forms of communication. Much like the students we teacher, blended models of services delivery best meet the needs of the communities.

References

Akyol, Z., Garrison, D., & Ozden, M. (2009). Online and Blended Communities of Inquiry: Exploring the Developmental and Perceptional Differences. International Review Of Research In Open And Distance Learning, 10(6),

DuFour, R., DuFour, R., Eaker, R., Many, T. (2010). Learning by doing: A handbook for

professional learning communities at work (2nd ed.).Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree

Press

Palloff, R. & Pratt, K. (2007). Building Online Learning Communities: Effective strategies for the virtual classroom, (2nd ed.). San Franciso: Jossey-Bass.