Teaching in Blended Learning Environments - Creating and Sustaining Communities of Inquiry (Paperback)

"Teaching in Blended Leaning Environments" provides a
coherent framework in which to explore the transformative concept of
blended learning. Blended learning can be defined as the organic
integration of thoughtfully selected and complementary face-to-face and
online approaches and technologies. A direct result of the
transformative innovation of virtual communication and online learning
communities, blended learning environments have created new ways for
teachers and students to engage, interact, and collaborate. The authors
argue that this new learning environment necessitates significant role
adjustments for instructors and generates a need to understand the
aspects of teaching presence required of deep and meaningful learning
outcomes.
Built upon the theoretical framework of the Community of Inquiry
- the premise that higher education is both a collaborative and
individually constructivist learning experience - the authors
present seven principles that provide a valuable set of tools for
harnessing the opportunities for teaching and learning available
through technology. Focusing on teaching practices related to the
design, facilitation, direction and assessment of blended learning
experiences, "Teaching in Blended Learning Environments"
addresses the growing demand for improved teaching in higher
education.Norman D. Vaughan is a professor in the Department of
Education, Faculty of Teaching and Learning at Mount Royal University.
He is the co-author with D. Randy Garrison of "Blended Learning in
Higher Education."Martha Cleveland-Innes is
professor and chair in the Center for Distance Education at Athabasca
University and guest professor of Technology-Enhanced Learning at the
Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. D. Randy
Garrison is a professor in the Faculty of Education at the
University of Calgary. He has authored, co-authored, or edited nine
books and over a hundred refereed articles/papers on the topics of
teaching and learning in higher and online learning contexts.