ERIC Number: EJ835241
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 25
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1539-1523
EISSN: N/A
Teacher Participation in Online Communities: Why Do Teachers Want to Participate in Self-Generated Online Communities of K-12 Teachers?
Hur, Jung Won; Brush, Thomas A.
Journal of Research on Technology in Education, v41 n3 p279-303 Spr 2009
The purpose of this study was to examine reasons for teacher participation in online communities of K-12 teachers. The authors interviewed 23 teachers from three self-generated online communities and analyzed more than 2,000 postings in those communities. The findings indicated five reasons for participation: (a) sharing emotions, (b) utilizing the advantages of online environments, (c) combating teacher isolation, (d) exploring ideas, and (e) experiencing a sense of camaraderie. In conclusion, the findings imply that when designing teacher professional development programs, more emphasis needs to be placed on teachers' emotional sharing and promotion of self-esteem. (Contains 2 tables and 1 figure.)
Descriptors: Elementary Secondary Education, Teacher Participation, Teacher Attitudes, Interviews, Content Analysis, Communities of Practice, Professional Development, Teacher Motivation, Social Networks, Asynchronous Communication, Discussion Groups, Educational Technology, Internet, Computer Uses in Education, Web Sites, Computer Mediated Communication, Professional Isolation
International Society for Technology in Education. 180 West *th Avenue, Suite 300, Eugene, OR 97401-2916. Tel: 800-336-5191; Tel: 541-302-3777; Fax: 541-302-3778; e-mail: iste@iste.org; Web site: http://www.iste.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
IES Cited: ED544210