Two ways of facilitating online learning are the Community of Inquiry and the 5 Stage Model, each with positives and negatives.  Both focus on the true facilitation of a course, by moving away from direct instruction.

The 5 Stage Model focuses on motivation before forming groups and setting the stage for learning to happen.  The exchange of information does not occur until Stage 3.  It is not until Stage 4 that the collaborative group works becomes a focus.  The final step focuses on reflection, critical thinking and the application of learning.  Gilly Salmon compares the 5 Stage Method to mountain climbing, detailing each of the scaffolds.

The COI Framework is based more on three aspects as opposed to stages.  The Framework is broken down into cognitive presence, social presence and teacher presence with several forms of crossover between them.  The social aspect brings collaborative learning to the forefront while setting the stage for learning.  Clear explanations and directions are the keys to the COI Framework.

The metaphor of mountain climbing aligns with the way that I view teaching, but I would love to incorporate more inquiry into it.

References

Salmon, G. (2006). 80:20 for e-moderators. In The challenge of ecompetence in academic staff development . CELT, NUI Galway, Galway, Republic of Ireland, pp. 145-154. Retrieved from “https://eprints.usq.edu.au/18862/2/Salmon_Ch16_2006_PV.pdf”

Salmon, G. (2006). Climbing the learning mountain [Video file]. Retrieved from “https://youtu.be/GbwJMKWFfbI”

Vaughan, N. D., Cleveland-Innes, M., & Garrison, R.D. (2013). Facilitation. In Teaching in blended learning environments: Creating and sustaining communities of inquiry (pp. 45-62). Athabasca, AB: Athabasca University Press. Retrieved from “http://www.aupress.ca/books/120229/ebook/03_Vaughan_et_al_2013-Teaching_in_Blended_Learning_Environments.pdf”