Applying the community of inquiry framework: a novel tool for systematic and economic coding and analysis of forum discourse in situ and in context

The online discussion forum (ODF) is one of the most widely used e-learning tools in open distance learning (ODL) environments. A popular line of research focuses on producing instruments that can be used to assess the level and amount of learning that takes place via transcript analysis of ODF-discourse. Of current interest is the influential community of inquiry (CoI) theoretical framework, first described by Garrison, Anderson and Archer in 2000. With validation of an ever-evolving framework a constant research focus, the CoI literature provides little insight into educator-level experiences when applying the framework. This paper describes and documents the author’s approach and experience in using the framework to assess the status of the CoI in an ODF-driven course. In particular, it describes the motivation for, design, application and analysis results achieved with a novel tool that allows systematic and economical coding and analysis of ODF discourse in situ and in context.