The Community of Inquiry (COI) framework is a well-regarded model for creating effective online and blended learning environments. It emphasizes three core elements: social presence, cognitive presence, and teaching presence. Using technology tools such as Zoom, Screencast-o-Matic, Blogger, and YouTube can significantly enhance these elements in a blended/online course. The theoretical framework of Community of Inquiry illustrates the creation of a profound and significant learning experience through the interconnected development of social, cognitive, and teaching presence.

Social Presence

Zoom: Zoom enables real-time video conferencing, which helps in building a sense of community among students. Regular virtual meetings, group discussions, and breakout sessions facilitate interpersonal communication and social presence.

Non-Verbal Cues: Video calls allow for non-verbal communication through facial expressions and body language, which are crucial for social interaction and building rapport. 

Blogger:

Reflective Journals: Students can maintain blogs to reflect on their learning experiences, share thoughts, and comment on each other's posts. This encourages a sense of community and continuous interaction.

Discussion Threads: Bloggers can facilitate asynchronous discussions, where students can engage in thoughtful discussions at their own pace, promoting deeper connections and understanding. 

 

Cognitive Presence

Screencast-o-matic: Content Delivery: This tool allows instructors to create engaging screencasts to explain complex concepts, conduct software tutorials, or present lectures. This enhances cognitive presence by providing clear, concise, and visually engaging content.

Interactive Elements: Instructors can include quizzes and interactive elements within screencasts to keep students engaged and reinforce learning.

YouTube: Educational Videos: Instructors can create and curate playlists of relevant videos, which can serve as supplementary learning materials. YouTube’s vast library of educational content can help explain difficult concepts through visual and auditory means.

Student Projects: Students can create their own videos as part of assignments, demonstrating their understanding and facilitating cognitive engagement through creative expression.

3. Teaching Presence

Zoom: Synchronous Classes: Instructors can conduct live classes, offering immediate feedback and clarification of doubts. This helps in maintaining a strong teaching presence.

Office Hours: Regular virtual office hours provide students with direct access to the instructor, promoting guidance and support.

Blogger: Course Announcements: Instructors can use blogs to post course updates, assignments, and important announcements. This keeps students informed and connected to the course structure.

Feedback and Interaction: Instructors can comment on student blog posts, providing personalized feedback and fostering an interactive learning environment.

Conclusion

Incorporating these technology tools within the COI framework can significantly enhance the learning experience in blended and online courses. By strategically using Zoom, Screencast-o-matic, Blogger, and YouTube, instructors can create a dynamic, interactive, and engaging educational environment that fosters social, cognitive, and teaching presence.

References

1.     CoI Framework | CoI [Internet]. Athabascau.ca. 2013. Available from: https://coi.athabascau.ca/coi-model/