Unraveling cognitive presence dynamics: An ENA of knowledge building in online discussions

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Thursday 4:15pm
  In Poster Session: Trends and Issues in Online Teaching and Learning

Abstract

This study investigates the integrated dynamics of content, cognition, and social influence in asynchronous online discussions. Guided by the Community of Inquiry framework and constructivist learning theory, we employed a multifaceted approach: Structural Topic Modeling to identify thematic patterns; Cognitive Presence coding to trace students’ critical thinking phases; Social Network Analysis to assess student centrality; and Epistemic Network Analysis to visualize co-occurring concepts over time. Data were drawn from 44 graduate students’ discussions across three semester phases. Findings reveal distinct epistemic trajectories shaped by temporal, cognitive, and social differences. These insights offer practical implications for scaffolding discourse and designing targeted interventions to support collaborative knowledge construction in online learning environments.

Authors

• Eunsung Park, Tennessee Tech University

• Hyangeun Ji, University of North Texas

• Feliza Marie Mercado, Texas Tech University