Chasing Resources: A Mixed-Methods Study of a Professional Learning Network

• In Event: 18.058 - MTCC Roundtable Session Four
  In Roundtable Session: 18.058-9 - Networks, Transformation, and Finding Balance in Online Education

Abstract

The researchers explored interactions between new and veteran teachers engaged in an online community of practice (CoP) known as a Professional Learning Network (PLN) through a mixture of research methods. A qualitative methodology was used to gain insight into the experiences of teachers involved in a Twitter chat, followed by a quantitative survey on teachers’ professional development preferences. The findings suggest there are benefits for teachers related to participating in PLNs. Advantages identified include asynchronous opportunities for teachers to communicate 24 hours/7 days a week across the globe on relevant educational issues. Disadvantages also exist and can be associated with issues of anonymity and questions about the depth of conversations with limits on use of characters.

Authors

• Sarah Thomas, Prince George's County Public Schools

• Nicol R. Howard, University of Redlands