ERIC Number: EJ1120880
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1179-7665
EISSN: N/A
Professional Development across the Islands of the South Pacific: A Perspective of a Blended Learning Facilitator
Hoffmann-Dumienski, Kamila
Journal of Open, Flexible and Distance Learning, v20 n2 p66-78 2016
Access to information and communication technology (ICT) is becoming an increasingly important factor for education and training in the South Pacific region. While many studies have examined the attitudes and understanding of educators towards using ICT in their profession and for their professional development, studies that specifically deal with these matters in the socio-economic and cultural context of the South Pacific island states are rare. This study aims to address the gap in the literature by examining the professional development of blended learning facilitators working in remote and isolated communities of the Cook Islands. The research outcomes of this study are based on the analysis of in-depth, semi-structured interviews, and the theoretical foundation of this project is grounded in the social and situated theory of learning. The central finding of the study suggests that participation in online communities of practice offers ongoing opportunities for learning and development, and reduces the feeling of isolation associated with the geographical conditions of the South Pacific region.
Descriptors: Faculty Development, Blended Learning, Semi Structured Interviews, Learning Theories, Geographic Isolation, Foreign Countries, Communities of Practice, Professional Isolation, Access to Information, Teacher Attitudes, Cultural Context, Socioeconomic Status, Qualitative Research
DEANZ: New Zealand Association for Open, Flexible and Distance Learning. Open Polytechnic, 3 Cleary Street Private Bag 31914, Lower Hutt 5040, New Zealand. Tel: +64-3-345-8246; Web site: http://journals.akoaotearoa.ac.nz/index.php/JOFDL
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Cook Islands
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A