| Summary: | This study explored the extent to which using online communication tools helped NAIT
(the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology) denturist students on third-year practica maintain
laboratory and clinical standards of treatment. The inquiry was framed by the Community of
Inquiry (CoI) framework, and was conducted from a collaborative constructivist approach with
quantitative data used to enhance and support a mainly qualitative design. Results showed that
all elements of a CoI were present in the online environment and that participants voluntarily
used WebCT communications tools for academic and social interaction. Standards of treatment
on practical projects completed by the study group were no different than those of cohorts that
did not use communications tools. Modifications to instructional practices made comparison of
standards achieved on patient cases unfeasible. Study results informed immediate changes
made to the online practicum site, and suggestions for long-term pedagogical changes to
denturist practica were made.
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