OER Knowledge CloudJournal ArticleGarrison, D. RandyAnderson, TerryArcher, WalterThe purpose of this study is to provide conceptual order and a tool for the use of computer-mediated communication (CMC) and computer conferencing in supporting an educational experience. Central to the study introduced here is a model of community inquiry that constitutes three elements essential to an educational transaction—cognitive presence, social presence, and teaching presence. Indicators (key words/phrases) for each of the three elements emerged from the analysis of computer-conferencing transcripts. The indicators described represent a template or tool for researchers to analyze written transcripts, as well as a guide to educators for the optimal use of computer conferencing as a medium to facilitate an educational transaction. This research would suggest that computer conferencing has considerable potential to create a community of inquiry for educational purposes.1999EnglishThe Internet and Higher Education22-387-105Canada10.1016/S1096-7516(00)00016-6https://www.researchgate.net/publication/222474115_Critical_Inquiry_in_a_Text-Based_Environment_Computer_Conferencing_in_Higher_Education1096-7516yescomputer-mediated communicationCMCcommunity of inquirypractical inquirycognitive presencesocial presenceteaching presenceconceptual frameworkcoding templatehttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/222474115_Critical_Inquiry_in_a_Text-Based_Environment_Computer_Conferencing_in_Higher_EducationCanada, North America