Journal for Educators, Teachers and Trainers

Abstract

This study presents the correlations found between the social, cognitive, and teaching elements of the Community of Inquiry and students�" satisfaction in Higher Education. The community created uses forums and chats to support communications. The theoretical and analytical model proposed by Garrison, Anderson y Archer (2000) for the study of virtual communication is composed of three interrelated categories: social, cognitive and teaching presence. We focus to observe if this categories found in our study are correlated with the satisfaction generated by participation in the community. We use a quantitative methodology through Pearson correlation analysis of items answered through two questionnaires (one for each of the communication tools). Secondly, we analize by content analysis of the proposals for improving the educational experience for the students. The results show, especially with the forum tool, higher correlations between satisfaction/cognitive and social presence. The students have a high degree of satisfaction, however they believe that there are aspects to improve. We conclude that the forum tool can be more effective to enhance satisfaction in virtual learning environments.