Community or Efficiency? The Perceived Importance of Community of Inquiry in Online Community College Courses

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 16
  In Roundtable Session: Understanding First and Early College Experiences as Online Learners

Abstract

Online courses are increasingly popular in community colleges, but these courses have high dropout rates. The Community of Inquiry framework can provide useful guidance on designing online courses that engage students, but it has not been studied extensively in the community college population, which has a high percentage of non-traditional students. This study explored the value community college students place on teaching presence and social presence as well as the potentially competing attribute of efficiency. Results indicate that community college students value efficiency most highly, followed by teaching presence. Social presence is the least valued attribute. Results suggest community college instructors should be intentional in communicating the value and relevance of online student-to-student interaction.

Authors

• Penny Marie Thompson, Oklahoma State University

• Anthony A. Smith, Oklahoma State University - Oklahoma City

• Jeremy O. Jeffery, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania