Exploring Blended Learning Designs for Community College Courses Using Community of Inquiry Framework

Elena Chudaeva; Cynthia Blodgett; Guilherme Loth; Thuvaragah Somaskantha

doi:10.21432/cjlt28012

Authors

Elena Chudaeva George Brown College
Cynthia Blodgett Athabasca University
Guilherme Loth Crandall University, NB
Thuvaragah Somaskantha Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Ontario

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21432/cjlt28012

Keywords:

blended learning, community college, community of inquiry, teaching presence, social presence, cognitive presence

Abstract

The goal of this single-phase and convergent mixed methods study was to compare the differences in the effectiveness of the Community of Inquiry (CoI) presences of a community college blended block instructional model with the in-person counterpart. Data were gathered from the Community of Inquiry Survey, Blackboard LMS reports, and course evaluation surveys. The results indicate that students had a better overall experience with the blended course. The blended block model provided flexibility while achieving course goals. Further, findings reveal differences in all three CoI presences between the two course formats with more student awareness of the presences in the in-person course.

Author Biographies

Elena Chudaeva, George Brown College

Elena Chudaeva is associate professor of physics and mathematics in the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences at George Brown College in Ontario, Canada. Current research interests include educational technology for active learning in STEM courses, online learning, and Universal Design for Learning.

Cynthia Blodgett, Athabasca University

Dr. Cynthia Blodgett is an international distance educator and course designer with over 30 years’ experience. For the past 20 years, she has taught graduate research and thesis development and supervised thesis and dissertation students at Athabasca University. Her research interests include disability studies, trauma-informed teaching, and student self-care.

Guilherme Loth, Crandall University, NB

Guilherme Loth, Master of Management Sciences, is the Senior Director of Remote Learning at Crandall University in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. His primary work and study are on innovation in online learning.

Thuvaragah Somaskantha, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Ontario

Thuvaragah Somaskantha, BMT-IEC Program Data Coordinator at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She holds a BSc from the University of Waterloo, Canada, diploma in Health Information Management from George Brown College, Canada, and a CHIM designation in good standing with the Canadian Health Information Management Association.

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