Strategies and tools for applying the community of inquiry to support adult learners in online professional development programs
Subject
Abstract
Professional Development training programs for adult learners are enhanced by applying leadership strategies and using digital tools to help build community in online and blended learning environments. Learning organizations that design and deliver informal and non-credit Professional Development training programs to adults may benefit by applying leadership strategies such as the Community of Inquiry (CoI) Framework and Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle model. This Project addresses the Critical Challenge Question (CCQ): What are the strategies and tools that Professional Development leaders can employ for engaging adult learners in online learning environments? Through the research, I developed a conceptual adaptation to the CoI Framework for adult learning training through Connection, Leadership, and Lifelong Learning. The research enabled a thoughtful conclusion to the Project package consisting of a website, a downloadable Facilitator’s Guide, and a Gamified Digital Adventure, “The Facilitator’s Way.” The intended audience for this research are instructional designers, facilitators, trainers, and learning organizations that deliver informal and non-credit training to adults online or via blended learning.