ERIC Number: EJ823045
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2003
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
Reference Count: 40
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1059-7069
Collaborative Reflection and Professional Community Building: An Analysis of Preservice Teachers' Use of an Electronic Discussion Board
Nicholson, Sheila A.; Bond, Nathan
Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, v11 n2 p259-279 2003
The use of technology in the educational setting can provide support for professional development early in a teacher's career. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory study was to examine the use of an electronic discussion board in a field-based block of courses as a place where 17 preservice teachers could share experiences and ideas. The researchers examined the nature and development of the discussions over one semester. The study found three major benefits: (a) computer mediated communication extends discussions beyond the classroom; (b) the discussion board became a place for professional support and community; and (c) preservice teachers' reflective thinking developed over time as a result of the discussion board. The electronic discussion board appears to be a promising way to enhance and support existing structures for preservice and inservice teachers' professional growth. (Contains 1 table.)
Descriptors: Computer Mediated Communication, Use Studies, Technology Uses in Education, Preservice Teacher Education, Reflection, Discourse Communities, Computer Software, Professional Development, Discourse Analysis, Network Analysis
Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education. P.O. Box 1545, Chesapeake, VA 23327-1545. Tel: 757-366-5606; Fax: 703-997-8760; e-mail: info@aace.org; Web site: http://www.aace.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers: N/A

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