Share Paper: Evolution of Teachers' Roles within an Online Community of Practice

  1. Nancy Davis, Florida State University, United States
  2. Laurie Callihan, Desoto Middle School, United States

Abstract: This study considers the impact of an online community of practice on the learning and professional development of graduate science education master’s students who were all also practicing teachers. Members of the graduate online science education program (GOSEP) were considered on an individual basis as to their learning and development during involvement in the program. The community was compared to Wenger’s (2003) concept of community of practice, where individuals grow (educationally and socially) through participation with each other from outsiders, to apprentices, to novices, to masters. Findings supported the effective use of online venues for establishment of a learning community ...