Community of inquiry

[3][4][5] The Buddhist parable of "The Blind Men and an Elephant " offers a colorful way to make sense of the notion of the community of inquiry.

By sharing their experiences in a democratic and participatory manner they could arrive at a more comprehensive truth than their impoverished perspectives allow, isolated from each other.

Lipman defined community of inquiry as a rigorous, democratic and reflective form of discussion built up over time with the same group of learners.

Lipman's and Dewey's ideas were expanded and applied to online learning contexts in a Canadian project that originated in 1996 at the University of Alberta.

The purpose of the study was to provide conceptual order and a tool for the use of Computer-mediated communication in supporting an educational experience.

This research suggested that computer conferencing has considerable potential to create a community of inquiry for educational purposes.

[8] This project led to production of many scholarly papers, a book and replication of the Community of Inquiry model by distance education researchers globally.

[9][10] The Community of Inquiry model is also used to conceptually guide study research and practice in other forms of mediated, blended and classroom education.

The community of inquiry is not defined by geographic location, rather a common desire by its members to resolve a problematic situation using a scientific attitude to assess evidence and guide action.

Shields draws heavily on John Dewey's insights into democracy[14] and inquiry[15] to refine the concept and apply it to public administration.