Creating students’ communities of Inquiry (COI) in online learning using the Moodle Learning Management System

The issue of promoting high levels of interactivity in online learning is important and topical. There is always a need to provide opportunities for online learners to work with others and feel a sense of belonging. This desktop review paper explores the possibility of creating communities of inquiry using the Moodle learning management system. In this discussion, we review the general use of a learning management system in an institution of higher learning. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of online learning. The concept community of inquiry is unpacked, with emphasis on the three presences namely the cognitive, social and teaching presences. By drawing on the interactive features of the Moodle LMS, we discuss how the three presences could be promoted. Conclusions and recommendations are drawn from the discussion. Keywords: online learning,, interactivity, collaborative learning, digital learning platform, higher education DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-30-18 Publication date: October 31 st 2020