The Role of Online Communities of Practice in Promoting Sociotechnical Capital Among Science Teachers

• In Event: Working Collaboratively in Professions to Improve Training and Practice

Abstract

This project explores the diffusion of Web 2.0 technologies among science educators and the ways these technologies are used to build teacher professional communities of practice (CoP). Such technologies are claimed to offer new ways to foster interaction and community building. , There is very little research examining the extent to which the use of these technologies foster CoPs among educators. The project uses a replicated case study design, with replications corresponding to two online communities from the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Learning Center. The study uses a longitudinal approach and multiple methods including survey and web-metrics to characterize these CoPs, understand motivation for participation, assess how participation leads to the development of sociotechnical capital and influences job outcomes.

Authors

• Rita T. Karam, RAND Education

• Susan Straus, RAND Corporation

• Al Byers, National Science Teachers Association