[Vernon ioParticipant]

Why is the COI an important part of blended learning?

The COI model is important as it gives us a structure / framework to consider prior to an online activity. Assisting us by providing areas for reflection for “thinking ahead”. These areas further allow us the ability to look deeper within and evaluate the effectiveness of our activities.

How would I implement these elements in your practice and design of learning materials?

Personally I would start with consideration of the learning objectives of the lesson and/or course and then design with them in mind. An example of application within my work is a lesson within the area of the endocrine system of a pathophysiology course. The lesson may have components of a mini multimedia lecture (cognitive) and a brief multimedia case study (cognitive) with a facilitated (teacher) forum discussion (social and cognitive) regarding the case. I think designing is key for application.

Briefly talk about an online / distance / blended learning courses that you have taken that fully incorporates these elements or if yourself have developed and taught courses using a COI framework. What did learn about the experience and what would you do differently?

I have taken many online courses in the past and some have fully incorporated the social, cognitive, and teaching presences within and others have used components of.
I would have to say as a whole, the courses taken at a graduate level have been the most successful with using the COI framework. Considering the various components that they have used: forums, skype, Elluminate live, break out groups, group projects, direct instruction, facilitation / guiding, questioning, critical inquiry…… the list goes on and on. Definitely the areas of social presence, teacher presence, and cognitive presence have been achieved and it has been a very positive experience and engaging.
On the other hand, I have been in other courses that are very solitary in nature. Where completion of tasks was the main focus with only the goal of a certification. I would consider them less engaging and isolated. Instructor involvement was via email with a turn around response rate of 2 days. Frustrating if you had questions. What could be done regarding such courses? Redesigning them to be more interactive, less task focused, not solitary but rather with a group of learners.

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