Share Paper: Unpacking Network and Discourse of Educators in Professional Learning Communities

  1. Jemma Kwon, Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute, Michigan Virtual, United States
  2. Kristen DeBruler, Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute, Michigan Virtual, United States
Tuesday, March 19 10:45 AM-11:15 AM Sunset 2

Abstract: This study explored the network and discourse of a group of educators, all of whose roles inhibited their participation in professional communities at either the school or district level after they joined virtual professional communities (VPCs). The two VPCs in question included one for mentors who supported online learners, and one for early literacy coaches who worked with teachers to improve literacy instruction. Using network and textual data that was created by the participants as a result of interactions, the researcher conducted social network and text-mining analysis. The findings reveal that members exchanged high quality practical knowledge and ideas about ...