E-learning in the 21st century: a framework for research and practice

1. Introduction. E-learning described ; A new reality ; Conclusion

2. Theoretical foundations. Philosophical perspective ; A transactional view ; Responsibility and control ; Theoretical concepts ; Approaches ; Principles ; Text-based communication ; Conclusion

3. Community of inquiry. The learning community ; A theoretical framework ; Social presence ; Cognitive presence ; Teaching presence ; Indicators ; Theoretical development ; A theory? ; Conclusion

4. Social presence. A non-verbal community ; Developments ; Categories of social presence ; Interpersonal communication ; Open communication ; Cohesive responses ; Practical implications ; Conclusion

5. Cognitive presence. Conceptual background ; Critical thinking ; Practical inquiry ; Developments ; Cognitive presence descriptors ; Conclusion

6. Teaching presence. Roles and functions ; Design and organization ; Facilitating discourse ; Direct instruction ; Developments ; Conclusion

7. Instructional technologies. Historical perspective ; E-learning technologies ; Web 2.0 ; Social media ; Mobile learning ; Teaching and technology ; Conclusion

8. Blended learning. Blended learning described ; Scenarios ; Online blended learning ; Why blended learning ; Conclusion

9. Guidelines for practice. Learning activities ; Teaching[-]Learning guidelines ; Design and organization ; Facilitating discourse ; Direct instruction ; Conclusion

10. Assessment and evaluation. Assessing e-learning ; Functions of assessment ; Assessing participation ; Assessment activities ; Course evaluation ; Conclusion

11. Organizational issues. Strategic innovation ; Policy development ; Infrastructure ; Leadership ; Collaborative leadership ; Conclusion

12. Future directions. The first decade ; The second decade ; Future research ; Social presence ; Cognitive presence ; Teaching presence ; Cot survey ; Methodology ; Conclusion