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International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning

ICL 2017: Teaching and Learning in a Digital World pp 86–95Cite as

Evaluating Collaborative Learning Using Community of Inquiry Framework for a Blended Learning Formal Methods Course

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Part of the book series: Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing ((AISC,volume 715))

Abstract

A Formal Methods course was taught using a blended-learning pedagogy at graduate level. The blended-learning environment was designed with the objective of improving the students’ learning experience and to address some of the inherent challenges of teaching FM. This study presents results of evaluating the contents of online discussion forums that were used in the course. The Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework was used to assess the level of collaborative learning by measuring social presence, teaching presence and cognitive presence of the participants. The results of the study show healthy levels of participation on all the three CoI dimensions. More importantly, there was no or little difference between mandatory and non-mandatory discussions. However, the discussion in mandatory forum was more open and organized on social front indicating an evolved sense of community and trust for time-critical and mission critical tasks within the course.

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Acknowledgement

This research is part of a larger research project at Riphah International University WISH campus. The contributions of Dr. Aslam Asadi, Dr. Saba Riaz and Ms. Sadia Nadir are also acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan

    Saad Zafar, Naurin Farooq Khan & Seema Hussain

Authors
  1. Saad Zafar
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  2. Naurin Farooq Khan
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  3. Seema Hussain
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Naurin Farooq Khan .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, Villach, Kärnten, Austria

    Michael E. Auer

  2. Kaleidoscope Learning, International E-Learning Association, New York, New York, USA

    David Guralnick

  3. Obuda University, Budapest, Hungary

    Istvan Simonics

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Zafar, S., Khan, N.F., Hussain, S. (2018). Evaluating Collaborative Learning Using Community of Inquiry Framework for a Blended Learning Formal Methods Course. In: Auer, M., Guralnick, D., Simonics, I. (eds) Teaching and Learning in a Digital World. ICL 2017. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, vol 715. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-73210-7_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-73210-7_11

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-73209-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-73210-7

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