Collaborative Learning in a Large Enrollment Online Course: Application of the Community of Inquiry Framework

Abstract

This study used the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework to provide a collaborative experience for students from marginalised communities in a large enrollment module in South Africa. The CoI framework consists of three elements such as the social, cognitive, and teaching presences. This study focused on the teaching presence element along with the seven principles in the CoI framework which involves design and organisation, facilitation, and direct instruction. The study context was one large English language application course which enrols over 1200 students who speak English as an additional language at an open distance e-learning university in South Africa. The research was a self-study approach and the course was designed over a few months to accommodate students and create collaboration amongst them. The findings revealed that the course structure engaged students, provided personal introductions and goal-setting opportunities, incorporated motivational content which increased student engagement and collaboration. Communication in the course was facilitated through familiar social media channels to provide alternative content modes which further supported student learning. Direct instruction which involved explicit assignment support and feedback was crucial to ensure that students achieved the learning outcomes. The findings of this study highlight the significance of the CoI framework and its seven principles to create a collaborative and engaging learning context in large enrollment courses.