New Model of Teacher Learning in an Online Network. Issue 4 (1st October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Trust, Torrey
• Is Part Of: Journal of research on technology in education. Volume 48:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 290
• Page End: 305
• Publication Date: 2016-10-01
• Subjects: Edmodo -- online network -- teacher knowledge -- teacher learning -- virtual community; Computer-assisted instruction -- Periodicals; Educational technology -- Periodicals; Internet in education -- Periodicals; Distance education -- Periodicals; 371.3305
• DOI: 10.1080/15391523.2016.1215169
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1539-1523

Abstract

Abstract: While many researchers have examined teacher participation and professional development in online networks and communities, few have looked at the factors and contexts that shape how teachers learn in these online spaces. Examining teachers' learning processes within these online spaces can yield important insights for scholars, school leaders, and teacher educators who are interested in designing online networks and communities or supporting teacher professional development within these spaces. This study was designed to shed light on the multifaceted nature of teacher learning within an online network environment. Data were collected through an online survey and in-depth interviews of members in the Edmodo math subject community. A thematic analysis was conducted across the two data sets in order to identify patterns of actions and factors that shaped the participants' learning processes. A new model of teacher learning was developed to display teacher learning as an iterative, multistep process that is socially constructed, distributed, and situated in the contexts in which teachers work. Implications and ideas for further research are discussed.