Expanding Horizons: The Role of English Companion Ning in Pakistani Teachers' Professional Learning

• In Event: Technology-Facilitated Teacher Professional Development

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the role of English Companion Ning (ECN), an online community for English teachers, in the professional learning of teachers in Pakistan. The theoretical frameworks that inform this study include quality teacher professional learning theory (Darling-Hammond & Bransford, 2005; Murray, 2014) and communities of practice (Lave & Wenger, 1991). This paper builds an argument that most of the problems related to the traditional, brief, episodic, and non-collaborative professional development in Pakistan could be addressed by making professional learning possible through online environments (Aslam, 2011; Murray, 2014). Additionally, I posit that online environments, including social media sites and online communities, provide opportunities for teachers to share and solve their problems collaboratively across national and cultural boundaries.

Author

• Asma Khan, University of Rochester