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Building on Foundations: Creating an Online Community
Article

, University of Auckland, New Zealand

Journal of Technology and Teacher Education Volume 14, Number 4, ISSN 1059-7069 Publisher: Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education, Waynesville, NC USA

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Abstract

Electronically mediated professional exchange is viewed as a valid form of professional dialogue and support. This study examines an effort to link teachers in 10 isolated schools to collaborate in curriculum planning and delivery, focused on a site for resource sharing and communication. Viewed in terms of data concerning extent, nature, and source of postings of resources; teacher readiness to produce material; the accessing and use of material from the site; related professional communication, and the dispositions of teachers and curriculum leaders regarding their role and notion of a professional learning community, the project did not develop a functioning online community. The data point to the need to harness volunteerism and to work to build communities first within safe, known, and supportive environments where teachers are able to participate and develop a view of what the practice of sharing online involves. The curriculum group that functioned well, used an existing community and the online site served to strengthen that community. The data also reinforce the idea that, to participate, teachers should perceive a need and recognize that the online community is a viable solution to that need.

Citation

Parr, J. (2006). Building on Foundations: Creating an Online Community. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 14(4), 775-793. Waynesville, NC USA: Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education. Retrieved March 29, 2023 from .

© 2006 Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education

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