Online Learning: Practices, Perceptions, and Technology

Canadian Network for Innovation in Education. 260 Dalhousie Street Suite 204, Ottawa, ON K1N 7E4, Canada. Tel: 613-241-0018; Fax: 613-241-0019; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://www.cjlt.ca

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Online Courses; Electronic Learning; Teaching Methods; Student Attitudes; Educational Quality; Instructional Effectiveness; Learning Experience; Delivery Systems; Synchronous Communication; Asynchronous Communication; Computer Mediated Communication; Integrated Learning Systems; Technological Literacy; Graduate Students; Undergraduate Students; Foreign Countries; Teacher Student Relationship; Peer Relationship

1499-6677

The purpose of this study was to examine factors influencing online learning given its rapid growth combined with the necessity to reduce attrition in online classes by providing quality instruction. This study was contextualized using the three elements of the community of inquiry (CoI) framework. We surveyed 93 students currently registered in online classes about their online learning experiences, perceptions, and technological delivery of their course. Findings revealed that the majority of online courses were asynchronous using Moodle. There was a statistically significant difference between the three CoI dimensions and level of education where graduate students had more favourable online learning experiences, as measured by an adapted CoI survey. In conclusion, we pose a revised model for the CoI showing a hierarchy of presences for future considerations.

As Provided

2020

EJ1267626