Evaluating Collaborative Learning Using Community of Inquiry Framework for a Blended Learning Formal Methods Course

Abstract

A Formal Methods course was taught using a blended-learning pedagogy at graduate level. The blended-learning environment was designed with the objective of improving the students’ learning experience and to address some of the inherent challenges of teaching FM. This study presents results of evaluating the contents of online discussion forums that were used in the course. The Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework was used to assess the level of collaborative learning by measuring social presence, teaching presence and cognitive presence of the participants. The results of the study show healthy levels of participation on all the three CoI dimensions. More importantly, there was no or little difference between mandatory and non-mandatory discussions. However, the discussion in mandatory forum was more open and organized on social front indicating an evolved sense of community and trust for time-critical and mission critical tasks within the course.