Seeking the Optimal SPOC-Based Blended Learning Approach to Enhance Deep Learning from the Community of Inquiry Perspective

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Seeking the Optimal SPOC-Based Blended Learning Approach to Enhance Deep Learning from the Community of Inquiry Perspective
Language: English
Authors: Rongrong Huang (ORCID 0009-0003-4356-4906), Nagaletchimee Annamalai (ORCID 0000-0002-8600-5624)
Source: Contemporary Educational Technology. 2024 16(4):537.
Availability: Contemporary Educational Technology. Faculty of Communication Sciences, Anadolu University, Yunus Emre Campus, Eskisehir 26470, Turkey. e-mail: editor@cedtech.net; Web site: http://www.cedtech.net
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 17
Publication Date: 2024
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Blended Learning, Electronic Learning, Small Classes, English (Second Language), Learning Processes, Second Language Instruction, Foreign Countries, Inquiry, Interpersonal Relationship, Student Attitudes, Teacher Student Relationship, Cognitive Processes, Instructional Effectiveness, Higher Education
Geographic Terms: China
Abstract: To equip students with 21st century skills to be competent global citizens and succeed academically and professionally, information and communication technology tools are being utilized to facilitate deep learning in higher education. This study integrated a small private online course (SPOC) with face-to-face (F2F) classroom learning to design and implement a blended English as a foreign language (EFL) course for deep learning. A mixed-method design was employed to investigate the learning experiences and perceptions of EFL students in the SPOC-based blended learning (BL) environment. The primary objective was to examine whether and how the teaching, social and cognitive presences were established from the perspective of the community of inquiry (CoI) model. Participants were 60 students enrolled in an eight-week English communicative course in a Chinese college. Quantitative data was obtained from the CoI and BL surveys, while qualitative data was gathered through individual interviews with 10 students. The results showed that a CoI was established, and deep learning happened in both SPOC and F2F learning areas with a more salient teaching presence in the SPOC area, a stronger social presence and a higher frequency of resolution phase reached in the F2F area. Furthermore, learners expressed satisfaction with the BL course, perceiving it as effective for English language acquisition. Pedagogical implications were offered to assist educators and institutions in optimizing the use of SPOC-based BL to enhance deep learning.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2024
Accession Number: EJ1449363
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:To equip students with 21st century skills to be competent global citizens and succeed academically and professionally, information and communication technology tools are being utilized to facilitate deep learning in higher education. This study integrated a small private online course (SPOC) with face-to-face (F2F) classroom learning to design and implement a blended English as a foreign language (EFL) course for deep learning. A mixed-method design was employed to investigate the learning experiences and perceptions of EFL students in the SPOC-based blended learning (BL) environment. The primary objective was to examine whether and how the teaching, social and cognitive presences were established from the perspective of the community of inquiry (CoI) model. Participants were 60 students enrolled in an eight-week English communicative course in a Chinese college. Quantitative data was obtained from the CoI and BL surveys, while qualitative data was gathered through individual interviews with 10 students. The results showed that a CoI was established, and deep learning happened in both SPOC and F2F learning areas with a more salient teaching presence in the SPOC area, a stronger social presence and a higher frequency of resolution phase reached in the F2F area. Furthermore, learners expressed satisfaction with the BL course, perceiving it as effective for English language acquisition. Pedagogical implications were offered to assist educators and institutions in optimizing the use of SPOC-based BL to enhance deep learning.