Finding Community: A Case Study of an Online Critical Friends Group

• In Event: 70.044 - Online Tools for Professional Development

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to shed light on the importance of critical friends groups (CFGs) as a professional development model for educators and, in particular, the sense of community, professional validation, and mutual member support that online/virtual CFGs carry for online instructors working in isolation from each other. This study presents data and findings related to the following research questions:
● What does an online CFG look like?
● What is the value of participation in an online CFG?
● What supports and drives the success of an online CFG?

Authors

• Julie A. Moore, Kennesaw State University

• Leslie Pourreau, Kennesaw State University