The Community of Inquiry Perspective on Teachers’ Role and Students’ Evaluations of Online Project-Based Learning
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v26i4.3193Keywords:
Online project-based learning, Teacher role, Student evaluation, Teaching presence, Social presenceAbstract
The role of teachers is an important element of online project-based learning courses. Based on the Community of Inquiry framework, this study examined how students’ perceptions of teaching presence, through social presence and cognitive presence, were related to their evaluations of online project-based learning. A 16-week online project-based legal education course was implemented. During the course, students engaged in two small group activities and created two final products. Survey data were collected twice from 38 and 41 students in two course phases. Results from partial least squares analyses revealed that teaching presence was directly related to students’ evaluations in the early stage of the course and indirectly related to students’ evaluations, through the effects of social presence, in the entire course. Practical implications for teachers and suggestions for further studies are provided.
References
Abdous, M., & Yen, C.-J. (2010). A predictive study of learner satisfaction and outcomes in face-to-face, satellite broadcast, and live video-streaming learning environments. The Internet and Higher Education, 13(4), 248–257. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2010.04.005
Akyol, Z., & Garrison, D. R. (2008). The development of a community of inquiry over time in an online course: Understanding the progression and integration of social, cognitive and teaching presence. Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, 12(3–4), 3–22.
Al-Rawahi, L. S., & Al-Mekhlafi, A. M. (2015). The effect of online collaborative project -based learning on English as a Foreign Language learners’ language performance and attitudes. Learning and Teaching in Higher Education: Gulf Perspectives, 12(2). http://lthe.zu.ac.ae
Anderson, T., Rourke, L., Garrison, D. R., & Archer, W. (2001). Assessing teaching presence in a computer conferencing context. Online Learning, 5(2), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v5i2.1875
Arbaugh, J. B. (2008). Does the Community of Inquiry Framework Predict Outcomes in Online MBA Courses? International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 9(2). https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v9i2.490
Arbaugh, J. B., Cleveland-Innes, M., Diaz, S. R., Garrison, D. R., Ice, P., Richardson, J. C., & Swan, K. P. (2008). Developing a community of inquiry instrument: Testing a measure of the Community of Inquiry framework using a multi-institutional sample. The Internet and Higher Education, 11(3–4), 133–136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2008.06.003
Archibald, D. (2010). Fostering the development of cognitive presence: Initial findings using the community of inquiry survey instrument. The Internet and Higher Education, 13(1–2), 73–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2009.10.001
Armellini, A., & De Stefani, M. (2016). Social presence in the 21st century: An adjustment to the Community of Inquiry framework. British Journal of Educational Technology, 47(6), 1202–1216. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.12302
Baker, C. (2010). The Impact of Instructor Immediacy and Presence for Online Student Affective Learning, Cognition, and Motivation. The Journal of Educators Online, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.9743/JEO.2010.1.2
Balash, C., Richardson, S., Guzzomi, F., & Rassau, A. (2019). Engineering Mechanics: Adoption of project-based learning supported by computer-aided online adaptive assessments overcoming fundamental issues with a fundamental subject. European Journal of Engineering Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2019.1664413
Barak, M., & Dori, Y. J. (2005). Enhancing undergraduate students’ chemistry understanding through project-based learning in an it environment. Science Education, 89(1), 117–139. https://doi.org/10.1002/sce.20027
Bell, S. (2010). Project-based learning for the 21st century: Skills for the future. The Clearing House, 83(2), 39–43. https://doi.org/10.1080/00098650903505415
Benbunan-Fich, R., & Arbaugh, J. B. (2006). Separating the effects of knowledge construction and group collaboration in learning outcomes of web-based courses. Information & Management, 43(6), 778–793. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2005.09.001
Blumenfeld, P. C., Soloway, E., Marx, R. W., Krajcik, J. S., Guzdial, M., & Palincsar, A. (1991). Motivating Project-Based Learning: Sustaining the Doing, Supporting the Learning. Educational Psychologist, 26(3 & 4), 369–398. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15326985ep2603&4_8
Boston, W., Díaz, S. R., Gibson, A. M., Ice, P., Richardson, J., & Swan, K. (2009). An exploration of the relationship between indicators of the Community of Inquiry framework and retention in online programs. Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, 13(3), 67–83.
Çakiroğlu, Ü., & Erdemir, T. (2019). Online project based learning via cloud computing: Exploring roles of instructor and students. Interactive Learning Environments, 27(4), 547–566. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2018.1489855
Chen, C.-H., & Yang, Y.-C. (2019). Revisiting the effects of project-based learning on students’ academic achievement: A meta-analysis investigating moderators. Educational Research Review, 26, 71–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2018.11.001
Ching, Y.-H., & Hsu, Y.-C. (2013). Peer feedback to facilitate project-based learning in an online environment. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 14(5), 258–276. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v14i5.1524
Choo, J., Bakir, N., Scagnoli, N. I., Ju, B., & Tong, X. (2020). Using the Community of Inquiry framework to understand students’ learning experience in online undergraduate business courses. TechTrends, 64, 172–181. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-019-00444-9
Chua, K. J. (2014). A comparative study on first-time and experienced project-based learning students in an engineering design module. European Journal of Engineering Education, 39(5), 556–572. https://doi. org/10.1080/03043797.2014.895704
Chua, K. J., Yang, W. M., & Leo, H. L. (2014). Enhanced and conventional project-based learning in an engineering design module. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 24(4), 437–458. https:// doi.org/10.1007/s10798-013-9255-7
Cleveland-Innes, M., Garrison, D. R., & Vaughan, N. (2019). The Community of Inquiry theoretical framework: Implicaitons for distance educaiton and beyond. In Handbook of Distance Education (Fourth edition, pp. 67–78). Routledge.
Costa-Silva, D., Côrtes, J. A., Bachinski, R. F., Spiegel, C. N., & Alves, G. G. (2018). Teaching cell biology to dental students with a project-based learning approach. Journal of Dental Education, 82(3), 322–331. https://doi.org/10.21815/JDE.018.032
Creswell, J. W. (2012). Educational research: Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research (4th ed). Pearson.
Deane, F. P., Podd, J., & Henderson, R. D. (1998). Relationship between self-report and log data estimates of information system usage. Computers in Human Behavior, 14(4), 621–636. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0747-5632(98)00027-2
Dooley, K. E., & Wickersham, L. E. (2007). Distraction, domination, and disconnection in whole-class, online discussions. The Quarterly Review of Distance Education, 8(1), 1–8.
Du, X., de Graaff, E., & Kolmos, A. (Eds.). (2009). Diversity of PBL– PBL learning principles and models. In Research on PBL Practice in Engineering Education (pp. 9–21). Sense Publishers.
Galikyan, I., & Admiraal, W. (2019). Students’ engagement in asynchronous online discussion: The relationship between cognitive presence, learner prominence, and academic performance. The Internet and Higher Education, 43, 100692. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2019.100692
Garrison, D. R., & Akyol, Z. (2013). Toward the development of a metacognition construct for communities of inquiry. The Internet and Higher Education, 17, 84–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2012.11.005
Garrison, D. R., & Anderson, T. (2003). E-learning in the 21st century: A framework for research and practice. Taylor & Francis e-Library.
Garrison, D. R., Anderson, T., & Archer, W. (2000). Critical inquiry in a text-based environment: Computer conferencing in higher education. The Internet and Higher Education, 2(2–3), 87–105. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1096-7516(00)00016-6
Garrison, D. R., Anderson, T., & Archer, W. (2001). Critical thinking, cognitive presence, and computer conferencing in distance education. American Journal of Distance Education, 15(1), 7–23. https://doi.org/10.1080/08923640109527071
Garrison, D. R., & Arbaugh, J. B. (2007). Researching the Community of Inquiry framework: Review, issues, and future directions. The Internet and Higher Education, 10(3), 157–172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2007.04.001
Garrison, D. R., Cleveland-Innes, M., & Fung, T. S. (2010). Exploring causal relationships among teaching, cognitive and social presence: Student perceptions of the community of inquiry framework. The Internet and Higher Education, 13(1–2), 31–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2009.10.002
Gašević, D., Adesope, O., Joksimović, S., & Kovanović, V. (2015). Externally-facilitated regulation scaffolding and role assignment to develop cognitive presence in asynchronous online discussions. The Internet and Higher Education, 24, 53–65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2014.09.006
Gomez-Pablos, V. B., del Pozo, M. M., & Munoz-Repiso, A. G.-V. (2017). Project-based learning (PBL) through the incorporation of digital technologies: An evaluation based on the experience of serving teachers. Computers in Human Behavior, 68, 501–512. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.11.056
Guo, P., Saab, N., Post, L. S., & Admiraal, W. (2020). A review of project-based learning in higher education: Student outcomes and measures. International Journal of Educational Research, 102, 101586. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2020.101586
Guo, P., Saab, N., Wu, L., & Admiraal, W. (2021). The Community of Inquiry perspective on students' social presence, cognitive presence, and academic performance in online project-based learning. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1111/ jcal.12586
Hair, J. F., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2011). PLS-SEM: Indeed a silver bullet. Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice, 19(2), 139–152. https://doi.org/10.2753/MTP1069-6679190202
Harburg, E., Lewis, D. R., Easterday, M., & Gerber, E. M. (2018). CheerOn: Facilitating online social support for novice project-based learning teams. ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction, 25(6), Article 32. https://doi.org/10.1145/3241043
Helle, L., Tynjälä, P., & Olkinuora, E. (2006). Project-Based Learning in Post-Secondary Education – Theory, Practice and Rubber Sling Shots. Higher Education, 51(2), 287–314. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-004-6386-5
Heo, H., Lim, K. Y., & Kim, Y. (2010). Exploratory study on the patterns of online interaction and knowledge co-construction in project-based learning. Computers & Education, 55(3), 1383–1392. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2010.06.012
Hou, H.-T., Chang, K.-E., & Sung, Y.-T. (2007). An analysis of peer assessment online discussions within a course that uses project-based learning. Interactive Learning Environments, 15(3), 237–251. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820701206974
Joo, Y. J., Lim, K. Y., & Kim, E. K. (2011). Online university students’ satisfaction and persistence: Examining perceived level of presence, usefulness and ease of use as predictors in a structural model. Computers & Education, 57(2), 1654–1664. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2011.02.008
Ke, F. (2010). Examining online teaching, cognitive, and social presence for adult students. Computers & Education, 55(2), 808–820. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2010.03.013
Kokotsaki, D., Menzies, V., & Wiggins, A. (2016). Project-based learning: A review of the literature. Improving Schools, 19(3), 267–277. https://doi.org/10.1177/1365480216659733
Krajcik, J., McNeill, K. L., & Reiser, B. J. (2008). Learning-goals-driven design model: Developing curriculum materials that align with national standards and incorporate project-based pedagogy. Science Education, 92(1), 1–32. https://doi.org/10.1002/sce.20240
Krajcik, J., & Shin, N. (2014). Project-Based Learning. In R. K. Sawyer (Ed.), The Cambridge Handbook of the Learning Sciences (2nd ed., pp. 275–297). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781139519526.018
Leavy, P. (2017). Research design: Quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, arts-based, and community-based participatory research approaches. The Guilford Press.
Lee, S. J., Ngampornchai, A., Trail-Constant, T., Abril, A., & Srinivasan, S. (2016). Does a case-based online group project increase students’ satisfaction with interaction in online courses? Active Learning in Higher Education, 17(3), 249–260. https://doi.org/10.1177/1469787416654800
Lou, Y., & Kim MacGregor, S. (2004). Enhancing project-based learning through online between-group collaboration. Educational Research and Evaluation, 10(4–6), 419–440. https://doi.org/10.1080/13803610512331383509
Maor, D. (2003). The teacher’s role in developing interaction and reflection in an online learning community. Educational Media International, 40(1–2), 127–138. https://doi.org/10.1080/0952398032000092170
Meisani, D. R., & Rambet, R. D. B. (2017). Teachers’ beliefs regarding language learner autonomy and practices of project-based education: A case study of an indonesian efl teacher. NOBEL: Journal of Literature and Language Teaching, 8(2), 141–149. https://doi.org/10.15642/NOBEL.2017.8.2.141-149
Morales, T. M., Bang, E., & Andre, T. (2013). A one-year case study: Understanding the rich potential of project-based learning in a virtual reality class for high school students. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 22(5), 791–806. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-012-9431-7
Papastergiou, M. (2005). Learning to design and implement educational web sites within pre-service training: A project-based learning environment and its impact on student teachers. Learning, Media and Technology, 30(3), 263–279. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439880500250451
Parmelee, D. X., DeStephen, D., & Borges, N. J. (2009). Medical students’ attitudes about team-based learning in a pre-clinical curriculum. Medical Education Online, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.3885/meo.2009.Res00280
Picciano, A. G. (2002). Beyond Student Perceptions: Issues of Interaction, Presence, and Performance in an Online Course. Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, 6(1), 24. https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v6i1.1870
Quintana, R., & Quintana, C. (2020). When classroom interactions have to go online: The move to specifications grading in a project-based design course. Information and Learning Sciences, 121(7/8), 525–532. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILS-04-2020-0119
Reis, A. C. B., Zanette, A. C. D., & Barbalho, S. C. M. (2018). A review of Problem/Project-based learning approach in engineering education: Motivations, results and gaps to overcome. 302–308. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318715699_A_bibliometric_and_classification_study_of_Project-based_Learning_in_Engineering_Education
Richardson, J. C., & Swan, K. (2003). Examining social presence in online courses in relation to students’ perceived learning and satisfaction. Online Learning, 7(1), 68–88. https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v7i1.1864
Shadiev, R., Hwang, W.-Y., & Huang, Y.-M. (2015). A pilot study: Facilitating cross-cultural understanding with project-based collaborative learning in an online environment. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 31(2), 123–139. https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.1607
Shea, P., & Bidjerano, T. (2009). Community of inquiry as a theoretical framework to foster “epistemic engagement” and “cognitive presence” in online education. Computers & Education, 52(3), 543–553. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2008.10.007
Shea, P., Hayes, S., Vickers, J., Gozza-Cohen, M., Uzuner, S., Mehta, R., Valchova, A., & Rangan, P. (2010). A re-examination of the community of inquiry framework: Social network and content analysis. The Internet and Higher Education, 13, 10–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2009.11.002
Shea, P., Li, C. S., Swan, K., & Pickett, A. (2005). Developing learning community in online asynchronous college courses: The role of teaching presence. Online Learning, 9(4), 59–82. https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v9i4.1779
Shih, W.-L., & Tsai, C.-Y. (2017). Students’ perception of a flipped classroom approach to facilitating online project-based learning in marketing research courses. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 33(5), 32–49. https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.2884
Sidiropoulou, Z., & Mavroidis, I. (2019). The relation between the three dimensions of the Community of Inquiry and the learning styles of students in a distance education programme. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 14(23), 180–192. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v14i23.11564
So, H.-J., & Brush, T. A. (2008). Student perceptions of collaborative learning, social presence and satisfaction in a blended learning environment: Relationships and critical factors. Computers & Education, 51(1), 318–336. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2007.05.009
Stefanou, C., Stolk, J. D., Prince, M., Chen, J. C., & Lord, S. M. (2013). Self-regulation and autonomy in problem- and project-based learning environments. Active Learning in Higher Education, 14(2), 109–122. https://doi.org/10.1177/1469787413481132
Stozhko, N., Bortnik, B., Mironova, L., Tchernysheva, A., & Podshivalova, E. (2015). Interdisciplinary project-based learning: Technology for improving student cognition. Research in Learning Technology, 23(1), 27577. https://doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v23.27577
Torres, A. S., Sriraman, V., & Ortiz, A. M. (2019). Implementing project based learning pedagogy in concrete industry project management. International Journal of Construction Education and Research, 15(1), 62–79. https://doi.org/10.1080/15578771.2017.1393475
Tsai, M.-H., Chen, K.-L., & Chang, Y.-L. (2019). Development of a project-based online course for BIM learning. Sustainability, 11, 5772. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11205772
Tseng, K.-H., Chang, C.-C., Lou, S.-J., & Chen, W.-P. (2013). Attitudes towards science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in a project-based learning (PjBL) environment. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 23(1), 87–102. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-011-9160-x
Tu, C.-H. (2001). How Chinese perceive social presence: An examination of interaction in online learning environment. Educational Media International, 38(1), 45–60. https://doi.org/10.1080/09523980010021235
Urbach, N., & Ahlemann, F. (2010). Structural equation modeling in information systems research using partial least squares. Journal of Information Technology Theory and Application, 11(2), 5–40.
Usher, M., & Barak, M. (2018). Peer assessment in a project-based engineering course: Comparing between on-campus and online learning environments. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 43(5), 745–759. https://doi.org/10.1080/02602938.2017.1405238
van Rooij, S. W. (2009). Scaffolding project-based learning with the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK). Computers & Education, 52(1), 210–219. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2008.07.012
Williams, E. A., Duray, R., & Reddy, V. (2006). Teamwork orientation, group cohesiveness, and student learning: A study of the use of teams in online distance education. Journal of Management Education, 30(4), 592–616. https://doi.org/10.1177/1052562905276740
Wu, S.-Y., Hou, H.-T., Hwang, W.-Y., & Liu, E. Z.-F. (2013). Analysis of learning behavior in problem-solving-based and project-based discussion activities within the seamless online learning integrated discussion (SOLID) system. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 49(1), 61–82. https://doi.org/10.2190/EC.49.1.c
Xu, Y., & Liu, W. (2010). A project-based learning approach: A case study in China. Asia Pacific Education Review, 11(3), 363–370. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12564-010-9093-1
Yilmaz, R., Yilmaz, F. G. K., & Keser, H. (2020). Vertical versus shared e‑leadership approach in online project‑based learning: A comparison of self‑regulated learning skills, motivation and group collaboration processes. Journal of Computing in Higher Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12528-020-09250-2
Zhang, K., Peng, S. W., & Hung, J. (2009). Online collaborative learning in a project‐based learning environment in Taiwan: A case study on undergraduate students’ perspectives. Educational Media International, 46(2), 123–135. https://doi.org/10.1080/09523980902933425
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
As a condition of publication, the author agrees to apply the Creative Commons – Attribution International 4.0 (CC-BY) License to OLJ articles. See: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
This licence allows anyone to reproduce OLJ articles at no cost and without further permission as long as they attribute the author and the journal. This permission includes printing, sharing and other forms of distribution.
Author(s) hold copyright in their work, and retain publishing rights without restrictions