Teaching in Blended Learning Environments: Creating and Sustaining Communities of Inquiry

Teaching in Blended Leaning Environments provides acoherent framework in which to explore the transformative concept ofblended learning. Blended learning can be defined as the organicintegration of thoughtfully selected and complementary face-to-face andonline approaches and technologies. A direct result of thetransformative innovation of virtual communication and online learningcommunities, blended learning environments have created new ways forteachers and students to engage, interact, and collaborate. The authorsargue that this new learning environment necessitates significant roleadjustments for instructors and generates a need to understand theaspects of teaching presence required of deep and meaningful learningoutcomes. Built upon the theoretical framework of the Community of Inquiry- the premise that higher education is both a collaborative andindividually constructivist learning experience - the authorspresent seven principles that provide a valuable set of tools forharnessing the opportunities for teaching and learning availablethrough technology. Focusing on teaching practices related to thedesign, facilitation, direction and assessment of blended learningexperiences, Teaching in Blended Learning Environmentsaddresses the growing demand for improved teaching in highereducation.