Online Ram Education Group (OREG)

Cognitive Presence:A Classroom Perspective

Definition of Cognitive Presence

Garrison suggests this is using a

“community of inquiry” in order to

carry out “critical thinking and practical inquiry”

Phases of Cognitive Presence

Triggering event

Exploration Integration Resolution

Triggering Event

Sense of puzzlementInquisitive phase

Exploration

Period of information exchange

Integration

Connecting ideasLinking concepts

Resolution

Application ofNew Ideas

Intention

Engage learners Move learners beyond the discussion conceptMotivate learners to utilize critical thinking

process

Challenge: Maintain cognitive presence as the classroom transforms to an online platform

Use effective tools to create a community that is engaged in dialogue

CONTENT

Example

This example assignment in an online class is geared towards maintaining cognitive presence.

Triggering Event

Students are posed with an ethical question in the blackboard discussion board, and asked to take a side.

Exploration

Students are required to find articles, websites, or any sources of information to support their arguments, and post them on the discussion board.  

Integration

All students are required to comment on each other’s postings. This stimulates critical thinking, and allows students to be more communicative with each other, and reflect on their own postings.

Resolution

Students are to apply the information exchanged by developing group presentations arguing for their side of the topic.

Why is this important?

When moving to an online classroom, students often feel disconnected from each other, and the instructor. Regular communication helps students stay active in the class.

Recommendations

Enhancing the discussions through: Pre-structured threads: encourage students in

groups to share insights Scaffolding: probing questions by the instructor Role assignments: learners have roles in simulated

scenarios Debate: encourages contrasting viewpoints amongst

learners

Discussion Tools

Blackboard Blackboard Collaborate

WebCTNiceNetBlogsFacebookTwitterWikisGoogle hangouts

References

Darabi, A, Arrastia, MC, Nelson DW, and Liang X. (2011) Cognitive presence in asynchronous learning: a comparison of four discussion strategies. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning. 27, 216-227.

Garrison, D.R, Anderson, T, Archer, W. (2004). Critical Thinking, Cognitive Presence, and Computer Conferencing in Distance Education. Retrieved November 1, 2013 from: http://cde.athabascau.ca/coi_site/documents/Garrison_Anderson_Archer_CogPres_Final.pdf

McKerlich, R., et. al. (2011). Student Perceptions of Teaching Presence, Social Presence and Cognitive Presence in a Virtual World. Journal of Online Learning and Teaching, 7(3). http://jolt.merlot.org/vol7no3/mckerlich_0911.htm

Park, C L. (2009). Replicating the Use of a Cognitive Presence Measurement Tool. Journal of Interactive Online Learning, 8, 140-155. Retrieved November 1, 2013 from: http://www.ncolr.org/jiol/issues/pdf/8.2.3.pdf