Module 4: Introduction

Theoretical perspectives of Digital Learning

So far, we have spent most of our time focusing on the more practical considerations of designing learning and assessment activities in online and blended environments. During this module, we will come to the very core of the course andl handle questions such as: What does it mean to learn in a context relying on digital environments? How do we establish and sustain a fruitful learning community? How do we take the social and emotional aspects of learning into account in these environments? And how do we as teachers facilitate students’ learning?

The Community of Inquiry framework

The main theoretical framework that we will use as our backbone for this module is called the Community of Inquiry. This is a model developed to structure the process of learning in an online environment. In this process, the Community of Inquiry framework consists of three unique, interrelated elements: cognitive, teaching, and social presence. Cognitive presence outlines the process of learning, teaching presence the moderation and guidance of the inquiry, and social presence the human experience of learning.

For this module we will have associate professor Stefan Stenbom as our guest, whom you have met previously in the course. Stefan has been involved in the work with Community of Inquiry for more than 10 years.