Concept of Community of Inquiry

The Community of Inquiry framework is a way of understanding effective online learning through three key elements: social presence, teaching presence, and cognitive presence. Social presence involves building trust and open communication among participants. Teaching presence refers to the design, facilitation, and guidance provided by instructors. Cognitive presence is about active engagement and critical thinking to construct meaningful understanding. When these elements work together, they create a collaborative environment that supports deep learning, even in virtual settings. This concept helps educators design online experiences that are engaging, interactive, and intellectually stimulating.