Developing community of inquiry scale for 3D virtual learning environments

Abstract

This study aims at developing Community of Inquiry Model scale for 3 Dimensional virtual learning environments. 51 items were developed for the scale from the literature review based on the characteristics of a virtual learning environment which was developed for winter sports in a 3D environment. The items were reviewed by field and language experts. A pilot study was conducted with 15 students. In 3D virtual winter sports learning environment, 260 5th, 6th, and 7th grade students practiced and then the scale was implemented on them. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were carried out on the obtained data. At the end of the analyses, it was confirmed that the scale was comprised of three factors that are teaching, social and cognitive presence, and explained 57.80% of the variance and Cronbach alpha coefficient was .96. In confirmatory factor analyses conducted with three-factor structure that are teaching, social and cognitive presence, goodness of fit indexes before any modifications made on the model were as follows; [χ2/df=1.59 (p=.00); RMSEA= .07; GFI= .80; AGFI= .76; CFI=.99; NFI= .97; SRMR= .05].