Exploring Teachers' Thought Processes and Web-Based Actions During a Series of Self-Directed Online Learning Sessions

• In Event: Building Capacity for Online Learning in K–12 Schools

Abstract

This exploratory study used screen-capture technology and the virtual revisit think aloud to understand teachers’ self-directed online learning (SDOL) experiences. Three elementary teachers were involved in a series of in-depth one-on-one SDOL sessions where they informally used the Internet for their professional learning. Nine think aloud transcripts and three interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative methods. Additionally, nine 20-minute screen-capture recordings were analyzed using a time sampling observation analysis in which participants’ web-based actions were tallied in 10-second intervals. The analyses led to four main themes related to participants’ thought processes as well as the overall trends of participants’ web-based actions. Feedback from this study provides preliminary insight into the feasibility and value of SDOL over time.

Authors

• Pamela Beach, Queen's University

• Alexandra Minuk, Queen's University - Kingston

• Elena Favret, Queen's University - Kingston